Building Community, One Story at a Time

On Nov 18 on Zoom,  our Toastmasters meeting wrapped us in the spirit of community—the ways we show up, support one another, and make a difference. Our Toastmaster Elaine set the theme beautifully, sharing how each of us plays a part in helping others inside and outside the club. She is passionate about helping others and inspires all of us!

We were moved by a heartfelt eulogy from Mona, honouring her sister-in-law with touching memories and unexpected laughter. The standout moment? A train ride, a suitcase bursting open, and confetti cascading everywhere much to the conductor’s disapproval and to our delight.

Nandini reminded us how storytelling continues beyond the meeting room. She showcased the power of blogging on our club website Igniting Spirits. Marvin our tech guru helped with sharing on Powerpoint celebrating achievements like Darlene achieving  Level 4 Pathways, capturing the joy of our costumes at our fun Halloween meeting, and highlighting the inspiration sparked by Emma finishing her Path.

During the spontaneous part of our meeting, Yvonne shared how she leaves community better. Emma shared how she is building community at the gym. Our guest confidently shared that community and family are important like water and air. 

It was a meeting filled with heart, humour, and the reminder that every story we share connects our community a little more deeply.

News!

 Exciting news!  Igniters Toastmasters has achieved the Tier 1 – Momentum Maker Award in the new DCP Award Program! 

This recognition celebrates clubs that start the Toastmasters year strong, building early momentum towards the  Distinguished Club Program (DCP) success. To earn this milestone, clubs must achieve 3 DCP points by September 30th — and we did it! Members keep working on your education goals. What skills do you want to continue to build?

Our reward includes:

• $25 USD Gift Package of our choosing

Igniters was also featured in the November Dispatch — a big moment of recognition for all of us.

Let’s keep the momentum going — there are two more tiers ahead in the DCP Award Program! If we meet the criteria for all three tiers and secure our base membership, we’ll earn the Go Getter Grand Slam! 

You can learn more here: https://d42tm.org/club-awards/

Congratulations again, Igniters — this achievement reflects the hard work, teamwork, and passion of every member! Let’s keep shining bright and inspiring others.   VP Ed Ali

Upcoming Events

Nov 11 (In Person Meeting)- Rememberance Day. Emma finishing her Reflect on Your Path and has finished her Path! Fantastic News! 

More info about Pathways Educational System. Guest speaker Zahra and evaluator Mark visiting from another Toastmaster Club Canorators. 

Nov 18 (Zoom Meeting) - opportunities for growth, skill development, and a supportive meeting

Nov 25 (In Person Meeting) Humor and Evaluation Showcase. Potluck, music, learning, and laughter. A night worth attending!

Celebration Time!

Lights Laughter and Learning! 

What a fun-filled Zoom meeting we had this week!  We came together to celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, 101st birthday of Toastmasters International and Awards — triple the reason to smile!

The room was full of celebration vibes and the warm energy of our members. Nandini as Toastmaster shared reflections on Deepavali — a reminder that just like the festival, Toastmasters helps us shine brighter by overcoming our fears and growing in confidence. 

Then came the games!
Pass the Compliment had everyone sharing kind words and positive vibes — the perfect way to spread a little light.

Toastmasters Trivia tested how well we really know about Toastmasters and the hands were flying to share answers. Turns out, we’ve got some serious trivia champs among us!

🌟Congratulations Igniters! Winning the District 42 True North and Blue Print of Success Awards!

Chamila stepped up as his first time giving feedback to help members think on their feet. Ann tested our listening skills as Quiz Master. 

Between the laughter, learning, and friendly competition, it was a meeting to remember. Here’s to 101 years of empowering speakers, building leaders, and celebrating every little win — together! 

VP PR Nandini

Congratulation to Nandini from Igniters'

Igniter's president, Chris  was ecstatic to share the news that Nandini, one of our founding members,  had won the District 42 Table Topic's competition in Saskatoon this past week-end. 

NANDINI is District 42 Table Topics Winner

Congratulations Nandini!!

 

Nandini was one of 12 contestants from Alberta and Saskatchewan, and she had people excited as she answered the following Table Topics question "If you have to take one photo of your life what would it be?"

 

Nandini won the District 42 Table Topics contest!

Thanks to Carolyn Kaldy, DTM for sharing her photo with us.

We are all very proud of her as she Ignited Spirits at the Conference in Saskatoon.

Division J - Public Relations of the Year Award

Marvin, Margaret, Nandini, Diane, Brenda, Marion,and Glen were happy to stand beside Chris when he received his award for Division J  - Public Relations  of the Year for  from the Past Division J Director Grant.

                               

Division J - Presidentr of the Year

Congratulations to Nandini for winning the President of the Year -  Division J Award.  Grant Hanna, Past Division J Director is seen here presenting her with the trophy. 
Nandini, our past president, spent countless hours ensuring Igniters was an amazing club and that Division J achieved excellence.  She led by example, ensuring that Toastmasters Values guided our actions - Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence.  
Well done and well deserved Nandini.

Division J "VP Public Relations Winner"

We are excited for Chris G our President, as he won  VP of Public Relations for the Year - J Division.
His efforts creating this blog, his constant promotions of Toastmasters and his involvement and volunteerism has shown us that Toastmasters’ Leadership Program is only limited by the individuals participation.

CONGRATULATIONS MONA

Congratulations to Mona for her amazing article in the Toastmaster Magazine.  I asked Mona what Toastmasters' and the article meant to her and this was her reply.
"Why do I love Toastmasters? Why do I stay in Toastmasters?  The support is incredible!!! The club celebrating the success of having an article in the Toastmaster Magazine with all the cheering, clapping and cake eating is a humbling experience. I have been blessed ever since I started Toastmasters in 1997. Speaking on September 1, the day I launched the promotion of holding Family Retreats with Real Conversation and stating I was expanding nationally was exciting to share with Igniters who has Ignited my spirit to keep going even when it was tough. Thank you kindly to all the members at Igniters and all my Toastmasters worldwide for your unconditional support. I know it has been quite a challenge to groom a person who will break out into a Chicken Dance unannounced. What I wish for every member is to live their passion and impact the world. This would be a gift for all of us. Thank you kindly!!!!"
Thanks, Mona,  for all you teach us at our meeting, how you share from your heart and help us improve.  You definitely "lead by example."