District 83 Toastmasters | Metropolitan New Jersey, Rockland County, Staten Island

At the District 83 Conference on Saturday, November 14, 2009, Immediate Past District Governor Paul Scharf, DTM, named the District Toastmaster of the Year for 2008-2009. It is none other than Hackettstown Toastmasters’ own VP-Education, Jim “Cap’n Groggy” Birnbaum! Jim is also VP-Education for Skylands Toastmasters and a valued member of Northern Stars advanced Toastmasters club.

Paul Scharf, DTM, IPDG awards Jim Birnbaum District 83 Toastmaster of the Year 2008-2009
photo courtesy Robert Bugai

In announcing the award Paul noted that Jim, who was Area 23 Governor last year, “Ran the Spring Conference like silk. He said ‘yes’ to become the Spring Conference chair and Hail & Farewell registration chair in two seconds, and he did a great job at both. He has never hesitated to help other Toastmasters.” Jim’s Area was a President’s Distinguished Area and he was instrumental in chartering (and mentoring) our own Hackettstown Toastmasters club.

Being selected District Toastmaster of the Year out of over 3,000 members is an incredible honor. When you see Jim, congratulate him on his award and give him a hearty “Arrrrrrr!”