In case you have not heard, the district will be wearing its green on March 12th when we participate in the 49th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Denver. The theme this year is "Forever Green" and is being sponsored by Bellco Credit Union. The parade route (1.8 miles long) is in Lower Downtown Denver beginning and ending in Coors Field parking lot. Spectators can view the parade from 27th & Blake Streets to 17th Street (near Union Station) to Wynkoop Street.

This is excellent opportunity for free publicity, all your club has to do is confirm that you will be there with our parade coordinator, Terry Ploski, bring your banner, and get some public recognition. The district has already agreed to pay the entrance fee so there is no charge to clubs that want to participate.

If your club is in Metro, Denver, Foothills or Eastern divisions, we are offering your club free publicity just by participating. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers public transportation to locations within walking distance to the parade via Market Street bus terminal; the free 16th Street Mall shuttle, and the light rail to Union Station.

Remember the date, March 12th, 2011. To register your club for this event, contact Terry Ploski at (303) 748–3748 or by e-mail: tploski@yahoo.com. We would prefer you confirm your attendance by February 14th.

"Éirinn go brách," (Ireland Forever)

He's not in Denver anymore, but he is coming back. As you may remember, Rory Vaden participated in the International Speech contest in 2007 and successfully competed up to the international level at the 2009 Toastmasters International Convention. He was the first runner-up in the worldwide competition – competing with veteran speakers.

Rory is returning to Colorado for a one night only engagement. He will be speaking in Longmont Colorado on Monday evening February 21 at the Xilinx Retreat Center, this event is open to the public! This evening promises to be enlightening, educational and fun for all that attend!

The event is not free, but Rory has graciously offered District 26 Toastmasters a discounted fee. There are a limited number of seats available. Normal Price is $47.00 a ticket; however, as toastmasters you get a special price! All you have to is register at his website for this event: http://discount.creatingbreakthroughresults.com and enter the promotion code TM11 and your price will only be $35.00 per ticket.

This would be a great opportunity to bring coworkers, association members and potential club members. I hope you can join us. Come and support Rory on his triumphant return to Denver.

By the way, if you haven't seen Rory's website lately please visit at www.roryvaden.com  click on the "Blog tab" to see our very exciting news, that was just released last week!