All too often we focus on doing our jobs and we forget to recognize those people who put forth their efforts to enhance our great district. That is why this year, our Trio, Catherine Rai Cardenuto, Dru Jorgensen and Sharon Rollefson have created the District Diamond Award. The trio will be traveling around the district all year presenting the award to people who have gone above and beyond the expected and provided outstanding service to our District.

Will You Be the Next District Diamond Recipient?

Carol Duling wins Diamond Award

Carol Duling received the Diamond award on May 5, 2012 during Word Masters Toastmasters meeting. Carol serves as an officer of 2 clubs and co chaired the spring convention. She works tirelessly in promoting Toastmasters in the community. Her fellow members are impressed by her dedication in serving the clubs and the District. She leads by example and makes people feel very welcomed in their support. Like the many facets of the diamond, Carol shines in the responsibilities by giving equal priorities to Club and District needs. She continues to be a good role model for Toastmasters serving inside & outside the club.!

Craig Brubaker wins Diamond Award, April 21, 2012

September 14, last year a group of us did the usual “kick-off” meeting for a group at Lifetouch. By the end of September, this young man was signed up as President. Through his leadership this group chartered on 1-1-2012.

Since that time Craig Brubaker has attended, everything the District has offered him, including TELI and the Spring Conference!

This past week Craig asked me what they needed to do to participate in the Parade of Banners. Not enough time to order from TI, he sat about creating a banner to represent Visually Speaking; the results are hanging on the wall over here.

We have heard that Diamonds cannot be created, but must be found. District 6 has found a Diamond in a brand new club. Please help me congratulate Craig Brubaker!

Theresa Kraft wins Diamond Award, March 21, 2012

The better a diamond is cut, the more sparkle it has. Theresa Kraft sparkled through her entire year as
Area 57 Governor. Theresa was always on target with her Dues Renewals, Officer Training, and
Educational Awards for her clubs. She was one of the first Area Governors to step up to the plate with her Leadership. She offered her service for both Northern Division Contests. Theresa sparkled like a fine cut diamond through this Toastmaster year, 2011-2012, with her participation and leadership. I was fortunate to have her on my team.

Bonnie Lee Johnson wins Diamond Award, April 14, 2012

Bonnie Lee Johnson has won District Awards before. She has served as a Division Governor. She has helped start and coach clubs. Among the things she has done this year is to mentor me as Division Governor. I run ideas by her - she gives me feedback. Bonnie Lee shares rides to other clubs and to contests. She is part of a group that decorates District events. Creative ideas flow from the group. Bonnie claims that she stays in Toastmasters because of the people; but the people get the benefit of her wisdom, speaking proficiency and evaluating care. A fair trade.

Duane Rivard wins Diamond Award, April 12, 2012

Duane is an officer in two clubs in Frontier Division, Area 23 (Capitol Square and King of Clubs), conducts Speechcrafts for the King of Clubs, helped with the Area 23 Speech contest as a committee co-chair, has produced video productions of King of Clubs meetings for the CTV local access channel and has assisted his Area Governor with an officer training for the Capitol Square Club. Duane has an attitude of service, proactively volunteering his services to his clubs, area, division and district. He is a model for us all. He is truly a District 6 Diamond!>

Lori O'Neill wins Diamond Award, April 5th, 2012

Since I became Eastern Division Governor, Lori has proven to be a toastmaster who serves unselfishly. In addition to serving as a club president, Lori dedicated herself to serving the Division as Toastmaster at more than one Speech Contest, without hesitation. Case in point – Lori first served as Toastmaster for an Area Contest and did not hesitate when asked to serve as Toastmaster for Eastern Division’s Fall Speech Contest on the heels of that Area Contest. Her leadership, dependability, and consistent willingness to serve are to be commended and are greatly appreciated. The above are just a few reasons that I chose Lori as a Eastern Division Diamond Award winner. - Dr. Clinton Hunt, Jr., DTM

Pam Isaacson wins Diamond Award

Since I became Central Division Governor, Pam has proven to be a toastmaster who serves unselfishly. In addition to serving as a club Vice President of Education, Pam dedicated herself to serving her fellow toastmaster’s, assisting with new clubs, assisting with club visit’s, serving a second year as an Area Governor, and serving in each of the Area and Division Speech Contest, with out hesitation. Pam’s leadership, dependability, and consistent willingness to serve are to be commended and are greatly appreciated. The above are just a few reasons that I chose Pam as a Central Division Diamond Award winner. – Kimberlee Redington, ACG, ALB

Cindy Dainsberg wins Diamond Award, April 3, 2012

Cindy Dainsberg has a laser like focus on growing membership in the Metro Division. You will find Cindy on the last Tuesday of each month in the downtown Minneapolis. in the TCF skyway promoting Toastmasters to the people passing by. Cindy greets the bustling people with smiles and answers at the table that is setup to promote Toastmasters during the lunch hour. Cindy encourages other clubs join her in displaying their club's materials at the skyway table. Not only has this table helped in recruiting new members for her club Thriftbuilders, Cindy also is part of a team that was setup to help bring Thriftbuilders back from the brink of folding, Cindy is the Area 43 Governor and the VP of Public Relations for her club. Cindy is always there when you need someone to step up and help out anyway she can. This dedication to Toastmasters and the District 6 is why Cindy is shinning District Diamond.

Terry Hefferan wins Diamond Award, March 31, 2012

There are many precious stones. Each gem has it's own special feature: color, dimension and value. Southern Division has a diamond - a person who sparkles and shines and is worthy of being entitled one of the most precious of all stones.. Terry Hefferan is a diamond. Terry is a long-standing member of the Rochester Suburban Club and an experienced Toastmaster who has given herself unselfishly as a member and mentor over the years. She sets the bar as an example of what the true Toastmaster's spirit is all about. Her warmth and support have been invaluable to not only other members but also to me these past few years. Terry instinctively knows when someone needs that warm hug. What a blessing it is to know Terry. She is a diamond among the many precious gems in my treasure chest in Southern Division.

AC Carlson receives Lifetime Achievement Award, March 31, 2012

After 44 years of dedication and service to Toastmasters International and District 6, Distinguished Toastmaster A C Carlson was honored with a special Lifetime Achievement Award and celebration at Redeemer Lutheran on March 31, 2012.


Our District Governor, Catherine Rai Cardenuto presented AC Carlson with the award, along with the Northern Division Governor Patrice Hassing. Many Toastmasters who have supported and been supported by AC Carlson through the years were in attendance. AC chartered his first club in 1968, Sunrisers, and is currently a pivotal member of AC Early Risers.

Laurie Buchberger wins Diamond Award, March 22, 2012

"Laurie Buchburger has always been some one that I can count on." notes River Division Governor, Nancy Hobbs. She has always been willing to help out with the area and division speech contests. Her response has been, "just tell me what you would like for me to do" along with a big smile. Laurie continues to work hard to challenge others to work hard and achieve even greater goals. "President's Distinguished is great with 9 points, why isn't your club striving to be 10 for 10?" It has been a pleasure to watch Laurie continue to grow through her Toastmasters experience and help others sparkle and shine.

Marvel Kummer wins Diamond Award, March 20, 2012

If you are looking for support, advice or inspiration you don’t have to look any further than Marvel Kummer. Marvel’s dedication to Toastmasters and her fellow members makes her shine bright like the diamond she is! Marvel has shown amazing support to the Western Division by attending every area speech contest and always lending a helping hand. When asked to take on more tasks, Marvel never say’s no. She always graciously accepts a challenge and offers her support. She has a wealth of Toastmaster’s knowledge and always ensures that the proper protocol is being followed. Marvel is a great leader who exemplifies an attitude of service. It has been a great honor to work with Marvel this year and watch her shine all year long!

Diamond Award winners, March 10, 2012

"Southern Division Rocks!" The three words that came from the three Area Governors that received our latest Diamond Award. Jean Pearson, Area 83 Governor, Helen Chen, Area 84 Governor, and Vicki Chelf, Area 85 Governor all three did what no other Area Governor did this year. All three had all the officers in all of the clubs trained. And not just for one round, but for both! That is 252 officer positions for the year. An accomplishment that needed to be recognized. Not only do we recognize these area governors, we will recognize those 18 clubs for earning the Magnificent 7 at the Spring Convention breakfast on April 21.

Sue McCoy Receives Diamond Award, February 11, 2012

"Sue always seems to be there exactly when you need her!" I wouldn't be surprised if you overheard someone saying this in the hallways. It is not always easy for people to attend functions when they live in another city, much less, another country! Our International Division has the challenge of miles and a border. Sue McCoy has stepped in over and over again this year when she was needed. That is why she deserves this Diamond Award.

Daniel Vesey Receives Diamond Award, January 28, 2012

Persistence truly pays off. Many of us take on leadership roles in Toastmasters excited and enthusiastic. We believe we know enough, then find out how much we really don't know. That is when we must stop and open ourselves up to others and ask for help. The road is not always smooth, and many of us start off a bit rocky, but pushing on is what brings us through and supports the growth that is happening.Daniel Vesey, our Area 14 Governor has shown enthusiasm and dedication even when things were not really going his way. At first the job might have seemed overwhelming, but it wasn't long before Dan was helping many others throughout his Division and the District.

A good leader does his job and does it well. A great leader isn't afraid to ask questions when unsure about something, then strikes out to help others succeed once they get a good understanding of the activity. Thank you, Dan for being a great leader. You are what helps to make District 6 shine!

Sherri Wood Receives Diamond Award, January 28, 2012

It is amazing the distance some people will travel to help District 6 reach our goals. Sherri Wood, our Region 4 Advisor traveled from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada to spend a couple days helping us build membership and start new clubs. She and Lt Gov of Marketing, Sharon Rollefson traveled over 100 miles making visits on Friday. On Saturday the Division and Area Governors were invited to an awesome workshop on membership and new club building. As it is said, it takes a village to raise a child, well this child is glad that we have more than a village raising us. Thank you Sherri for coming to visit and sharing your experience and expertise with us. You are truly a diamond!

First St Paul Club #167 - Receives Diamond Award, January 23, 2012

*Click image on right to enlarge group photo*
On January 2nd a club boldly proclaimed: Yes, we did it again; 2 years in a row.
Members of First St. Paul Toastmasters teamed up and achieved 10 of 10 DCP’s in just 6 months! Any club can do this; we are nothing out of the ordinary.

Last year our members achieved 25 educational awards!
The closest any other club in the district came to us was 16!
So far we have 11; a couple of clubs are currently ahead of us.
Keep it up; kick our butts! We want the whole district to be great!
As every club member is part of a team to make a club successful; every club is part of a team to make our district successful.

Dave Basham Tosses a Challenge to YOU and Your club:
If District 6 is not the top district, it’s not from the lack of quality members.
Someone in this world organization has to be #1; why not us?
Success starts with the basics; it starts at the bottom; it starts with us.
The First St. Paul Toastmasters Club is working hard to make a difference.
Every club will have its strong years and its weaker years.
Informing guests, educating new members and constant follow up is a good start.

We accomplished these goals by creating our “Strive to Revive and Thrive” program that is available for anyone to download from our web site. http://firststpaul.toastmastersclubs.org/

Upon receipt of First St Paul’s bold claim and challenge, it was obvious to the Trio, that this club was a shining diamond. During my visit on the 23rd, I found the club members were more than just words. Their actions and passion for helping current and guests, aka future members, is awesome!

Paul McNeely Receives Diamond Award, January 10, 2012

The long winters in Minnesota are often relieved by people searching for the “Winter Carnival Medallion, however, this winter it is not the Winter Carnival medallion, but a District 6 Diamond that we have all been looking for. The Toastmaster’s experience has led me to a District 6 Diamond in the “Cultivated Toastmasters Club

It is with a lot of excitement that I am here today to recognize the first Diamond found in 2012 in District 6! Paul McNeely!

Paul served as Area 16 Governor last year. It is with that experience and knowledge when Area 15 lost their Area Governor this past fall Paul stepped up and coordinated the Fall Speech Contest. He also provided Officer Training.

When a new club is chartered it is essential they have talented and committed Toastmasters to mentor them in their first 6 months. Paul was essential in the Charter and mentoring of the new Ecolab Club this spring!

It is an honor for me to represent District 6 as we recognize Paul McNeely as a Diamond and present you with this Diamond Award!

Bill Johnson Receives Diamond Award, Dec. 14, 11

As quoted in our Leadership Directory, “In 1913 Russell Herman Cornwell published a paper entitled, Acres of Diamonds: Our Everyday Opportunities. The idea is that in this country every man has the opportunity to make more of himself than he does, in his own environment, with his own skills, with his own energy and with his own friends.”

Diamonds cannot be made, they must be found. As we find Diamonds in the rough, we know they may need a little polishing for them to shine brilliantly.

The Toastmaster’s experience has led me to find a District 6 Diamond in my home club!
I did not have to travel to the far away locations in search of a Diamond.
Seated across the table from me at many toastmasters’ meetings was a very valuable Diamond.

Bill Johnson joined our club in 2007. He has continued to grow and become more polished with each year. However, this fall Bill as Vice Pres of Public Relations brought attention to this club, this District, and Toastmaster’s International by inviting a reporter from the Sun Newspaper to attend a meeting. The rest as they say is history!

Not only was the article printed in the Sun Newspaper, but the link http://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/index.php?year=2011&s=19210
to that article was sent to me, I in turn sent it to our International Director Jackie Schneider, who sent it along to Toastmasters International, who in turn put it on their International web-page “in the news”.

On Sunday evening in a phone conversation our International Director Jackie Schneider and our Regional Advisor Sherri Wood, asked me to express their appreciation for your outstanding service in the area of Promoting Toastmasters!

Today I am presenting you Bill Johnson, with a certificate and a Diamond Award in Recognition of the brilliance you have shown as a polished Toastmaster!
Thank You Bill!

Duane Noto Receives Diamond Award

One of the duties of the Lt Gov of Marketing is to be the “Guardian of the Elusive Gilded Gavel”.

If you look in the District 6 Leadership manual, you won’t find any reference to the EGG, therefore, when I became the Guardian of this Elusive Gilded Gavel I needed an expert reference person to help me sort through all the rules and guidelines.

Last July Duane Noto gave me my first lesson and my first awareness of the responsibilities of the LGM as Guardian of the EGG, when I was involved in an EGG capture.

As the year is rolling along and the EGG continues to roll along by changing hands or clubs if you will, Duane is there willing to help me with my responsibilities. He has made copies of pictures and documentation. He has been my go-to guy when there was a request to update and clarify the intentions on EGG rules. After numerous emails and explanations, to and from Duane in which I had highlighted crossed out, added comments, the new EGG Rules were adopted by the Trio.

I am presenting this Diamond Award to Duane Noto with gratitude t for continually helping me to unscramble the EGG.

Thank you, Duane.

Larry Marik Receives Diamond Award

Revision of the EGG rules was a project in itself, however, as with any new and improved project there was the need to be able to provide the tools we as a District need to help our members make an easy report of their EGG capture. Too often once the EGG was captured the vehicle to report this was an unknown. Duane Noto contacted Larry and made suggestions on how we could improve our reporting method. Larry jumped in with both feet, he sat down and many hours later he emerged victorious with a program that would complete our newly revised EGG procedure!

Ever since our TELI this year Larry has been willing to spend time with me explaining how the technical part of District 6 works. He has always treated me with respect and an open attitude to help me learn. His cheerful attitude along with his expertise has been a tremendous help to me this year. I would like to recognize that helpfulness by presenting Larry with a District 6 Diamond Award!

Jill Nauman Receives Diamond Award

This year the Fall Conference had an unusual activity that is not customary for the conference...a chartered bus! Jill Nauman was the coordinator of this bus. Her dedication and efforts had it all be a success. From organizing the group, collecting registrations and more importantly researching and briefing the group on how to do a border crossing efficiently Jill was top notch in her planning which was appreciated by all on board. Thank you, Jill the bus will remain a wonderful memory for all of us!

Jean Mirowski Receives Diamond Award

Putting on a Conference is no small endeavor. Planning takes many people with many skills to pull it all off. Having a conference that a good portion of the attendees are coming across international borders...well, that not only takes effort, but time as well. The Fall Conference team started their planning more than a year before the actual Conference. Jean Mirowski put an unusually high effort towards the planning. Offering her home for meetings, connecting with those in the cities who were involved and writing up meeting notes were only some of the things that Jean did to make the Conference a success. From all of us who attended and enjoyed the Canadian Hospitality, Thank you!

Karolyn Hoard Receives Diamond Award

"Anyone would have done the same." Those were the words from our Diamond Award recipient, Karolyn Hoard upon receiving the award. Karolyn, one of our Fall Conference Co-Chairs, was in the midst of the activities at the start of the conference when one of the attendees needed some medical assistance. Upon finding this out, Karolyn showered them in her Canadian hospitality and did what was needed to find a solution, from providing a ride to returning to the clinic with Canadian Dollars to cover the charges. Karolyn earned the award for remembering that our relationships binds us together first and all success stems from there. Karolyn, we are not sure that anyone would have done the same, but we are glad that you took the time to take care of those around you.

Dennis Olsen Receives Diamond Award

Many things happens behind the scenes throughout the District. The better people are who work behind the scenes, the less they are noticed. That is why it is exciting to present Dennis Olsen the District Diamond Award. Dennis is there taking on any activity that is necessary to get the job done, quietly, diligently, always ready, willing and able to help. Thank you, Dennis for anticipating needs and not being afraid to step in and provide the help needed.

Ravi Rai Receives Diamond Award

From 2007 to today, this person has been there to assist and guide me on my Toastmaster Journey. I was a struggling new Club President and needed advice on my Club Contest. Ravi Rai sent me forms certificates and offered a lot of encouragement.

I was a new and eager Area Governor and was looking to the Area’s Club Presidents to help one another; Ravi, was one of those Club President. He generously shared his experiences and helped to move the Area to President’s Distinguished. When the Trio went to Las Vegas for training this August, I ended up with blisters on my feet; Ravi went out and returned with a box of Band-Aids!

Last weekend in Thunder Bay at our District’s Fall Conference, I attended an Educational Session on “Presenting Over the Internet” given by Ravi, He also set up the Audio Visual Equipment for our Business meeting at the conference while the rest of us had lunch; and Today our training is being broadcast, “live-stream” to those District Officers who could not be here in person today. Again thanks to Ravi.

From Advise and support to Band Aids to the Internet, and a great deal of behind the scene support, Ravi is “Mr. Toastmaster” to me, truly a Diamond to all of District 6!

Submitted by Sharon Rollefson, DTM, LGM.

Don Rollefson Receives Diamond Award

Our next recipient, Don Rollefson, has been instrumental in helping at District Leader training. He consistently fills in as Sgt at Arms, AV technology wizard and Johnny on the Spot. Trio members and Area/Division Governor trainers goal is to put on smooth seamless sessions which requires support from many resources.

A few days prior to the August training, I hurt my back and could barely move. Catherine announced at the onset of training ‘do not let Dru carry anything’. At the close of training, Don took one look at me and said, ‘You’re not doing well. Let’s get you out of here’. He immediately helped me gather my training materials and escorted me to my car.

At our next training session in October, once again Don stepped up to help set up training room, set up and ran AV equipment, and ran interference when called upon. Don, thank you for making our volunteer roles easier.

Teresa Fehn Receives Diamond Award

Teresa Fehn was selected as a recent recipient of the Diamond Award.

As the District Secretary Teresa Fehn had her work cut out for her, but her dedication and hard work at the Fall Conference is what earned her the District Diamond award. A few days before the conference, Teresa loaded her car with the District's SAA materials and headed to Thunder Bay to help with the set ups before many of us even arrived. While at the Conference our Canadian friends put out a challenge for the "Americans" to stay in the Hospitality suite longer than the Canadians. While the Americans weren't there longer than the Canadians, thanks to Teresa, an American was there just as long...until 3:30am. Thanks, Teresa, you do our District proud!

Joe Brauer, Frontier Division Governor, Receives Diamond Award

Joe Brauer has been a very committed member of my “Kick-Off” Teams and is the recipient of the Marketing Diamond Award on Oct. 3. He always shows up meticulously dressed and willing to fill whatever role that needs to be filled.

Each role that Joe fills he is careful to explain the requirements and the reason, with humor and a quiet calm that is very reassuring to the new group. He stays after the meetings and mingles with the people attending, answering questions and offering suggestions.

Joe and I will often stand in the parking lot after a Kick-Off and discuss what went well and how to improve.

I would like to thank Joe for his commitment to making our District shine, by awarding him the “Diamond Award.”

Bob BIbeault, Area 3 Governor, Receives Diamond Award

Being an area governor is a new adventure and Bob Bibeault knows this more than most. Somehow there was a mix-up and Bob got the wrong list of clubs for his area. Not knowing this, Bob jumped right into his duties, visited those clubs and even installed officers. You can imagine his surprise when he found out he was visiting another Area Governor's clubs! Bob was presented the District Diamond award for his dedication, enthusiasm and for going above and beyond the call of duty for the team. (and for keeping a good sense of humor).

Glen DeGuzman, Area 45 Governor, Receives Diamond Award

Glen DeGuzman knows how to share his excitement. That is what earned him the prestigious District Diamond award on August 27. Glen is the Area 45 Governor this year and shared how exciting the opportunity is with others, helping to fill the vacant roles. Thank you, Glen, for your continued help and service!

Sharon Rollefson Receives Diamond Award

Each person who steps into a new role for Toastmasters is stretching themselves to new heights. This is very apparent for our Lt Governor of Marketing each year as an individual moves up to a level that few move to. The Lt. Governor of Marketing job is vast and important. Sharon Rollefson took on this challenge with vigor and lead a club to chartering prior to the International Convention, which earned her a District Diamond Award. Congratulations, Sharon! We look forward to see more clubs on the roster.

Cathy Sever Receives Diamond Award

We congratulate recipient Cathy Sever, President of Brand New Chartered Club "Data Park Toasters".

Cathy is a long time toastmaster, she has served in many Club, Area and District Positions, however, today I have given Cathy the first LGM Diamond Award to recognize Cathy's efforts to bring to Charter the 1st new club this year for District 6.

My sincere thanks, to you Cathy for all your help and dedication!

Brian Rice Receives Diamond Award

Brian Rice has been awarded a District Diamond Award for all the work that he has done as State Fair Chair as well as being our Chief Judge Chair and an Area Governor. Thank you Brian for all you do to add to the quality of Toastmasters throughout District 6.

Anshika Rai Receives Diamond Award

This award is presented to exceptional people who help promote the District in some special way. The first recipient, Anshika Rai, is too young to be an official member of Toastmasters (she is 15), but that does not stop her from helping out. At the July TELI, Anshika spent the day as Terry Ragan's assistant at the Resource Center. Thank you Anshika for your warm smile and helpful attitude!

The District Trio will be out and about all year looking for the next "District Diamond".