On Saturday, September 7, I was deeply honoured to be recognized for my 40 years as a Toastmasters member. The celebration was attended by 29 members and guests, and I was truly humbled by the experience. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Saya Sanyal for expertly organizing the event. It was incredibly moving to hear from so many who spoke about the influence I have had on their Toastmasters journeys.

Saya invited members and guests from the three clubs I belong to—Airdrie Discovery, Chinook, and Inspired—as well as Toastmasters who have played a significant role in my journey. The celebration was held at Hotel Blackfoot, and a group photo, kindly taken by a staff member of the venue, is enclosed for potential publication in the District Dispatch.

Here are the names of the wonderful guests and Toastmasters in the photo:

Front Row: Julia Dupont (Victor’s mom), Christina Kruis, Grant Hanna, David Wing, Susan Quan (David’s wife), Dorothy Jones, Amy Taylor, and Daisy Wei (District Director).

Second Row: Victor Bustamante, Bac Quan, Lemlem Kebede (Area C11 Director), Saya Sanyal (District Public Relations Manager), Myrna Belizaire, Polly Colpitts, Tanya White, Elaine Balante (Division C Director), and Ali Haider (Past Area C11 Director).

Third Row: Ari Sanyal (Area F29 Director), Bob Rodgers, David Bock (Lemlem’s husband), Laura Chambers, Aanya Sanyal, Bev Swan, Nandini Venkatesan, Marvin Henry, and Dale Batten (Daisy’s husband).

David Wing, DTM