District 42 Toastmasters

Monthly Dispatch

April 2025

Hello District 42 Toastmasters!



Spring is here and with it comes fresh energy and exciting events across our district. With the conference just a month away and contest season in full swing, this issue is bursting with inspiring stories, helpful tips, and celebrations of your accomplishments.

We invite you to take a few moments to read, share, and celebrate the incredible things happening in every corner of District 42!

And as always, we’re looking ahead - if you have a story, milestone, event recap, or leadership insight you’d like to share, we’d love to include it in a future Dispatch.

Send your article ideas or submissions to ivkovic@shaw.ca. Your voice matters and your fellow Toastmasters want to hear from you!

Enjoy the read,

Warm regards,

The District 42 Toastmasters Dispatch Team

Upcoming Events

See what's happening in April 2025

DISTRICT DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

Unlock Your Potential and Inspire Others 

Daisy Wei, DTM

District 42 Director

Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single step, but the Pathways program turns that step into a transformative leap. When you commit to improving your communication or leadership skills, something remarkable happens: people notice. Your colleagues see your newfound confidence. Your friends observe your clarity and impact. Your family witnesses your growth.

This isn’t just about personal achievement - it’s about becoming a living testament to the power of Toastmasters. Your progress doesn’t just benefit you; it sparks curiosity in others. When they ask, “How did you learn to speak so well?” or “What helped you lead that meeting so effectively?” you become the most compelling ambassador for our community.

Why Pathways Works

• Structured Growth: Tailored projects build skills step by step.
• Real-World Impact: Apply what you learn immediately at work, home, or in your community.
• A Ripple Effect: Your growth inspires others to join and grow too.
• A supportive community to cheer your progress

Your journey starts with a simple commitment:

• Choose one skill to improve this month
• Complete a Pathways project
• Apply your new abilities in real life

This month, I challenge every member to complete one Pathways project. Whether it’s mastering speech, refining feedback, or leading a team, your effort will echo far beyond the meeting room. Together, let’s prove that Toastmasters isn’t just a program - it’s a catalyst for change.

Your journey matters. Start today and watch how far it takes you - and others.

GAME CORNER!

Ellen Lambert

Dispatch Co-Editor

Challenge yourself! How many times is the Word of the Month used throughout the Dispatch? 

The word I chose is an adjective: SIMPATICO

1. Simpatico: adj. (of a person) likeable and easy to get along with\

The answer is at the end of the Dispatch.  

REPORTS

DISTRICT EVENTS

Excitement is building as we approach the District 42 Conference!

Arobo Ako

D42 Administrative Officer

Just as we prepare for an enriching experience at the conference, we also continue our personal and leadership journeys within Toastmasters. Whether you are 30, 60, or 90 days into your goals, now is the perfect time to reflect and refocus.

Below is the 30-60-90 Day Snapshot of what is to come within the district. This includes important events & deadlines. Please note:

• Red indicates important deadlines that require your attention.
• Green marks the start of a program

While this serves as a one-stop shop to view upcoming events, always prioritize visiting the District Calendar regularly for updates or changes. Remember, staying informed is essential to ensuring smooth operations at the club, area, division, and district levels.

Your 30-60-90-Day Plan Snapshot

April 2025:

• April 02 - Division E & D Online Circle of Gold
• April 02 - Division B Online Circle of Gold
• April 04 - Division A and Division C Circle of Gold
• April 05 - Area Contest Deadline
• April 05 - Division A - International Speech & Table Topics Contests (In-Person)
• April 05 - Division C - International Speech & Table Topics Contests (In-Person)
• April 06 - Division D - Online Contest
• April 08 - Division E - International Speech & Table Topics Contests (In-Person)
• April 09 - Division A - Online Contest
• April 09 - Division C - Online Contest
• April 10 - Division B - In-Person Circle of Gold
• April 12 - Division B - Online Contest
• April 12 - Division B - International Speech & Table Topics Contests (In-Person)
• April 12 - Division D - International Speech & Table Topics Contests (In-Person)
• April 13 - DEC Meeting
• April 13 - Division F - International Speech & Table Topics Contests (In-Person)
• April 16 - Division E - Online Contest
• April 17 - District 42 Circle Of Gold (Online Contest)
• April 19 - Division Contest Deadline
• April 21 - All Leader Call, District Leadership Meetings
• April 22 - District 42 Circle of Gold (In-Person)
• April 23 - PR Mastermind
• April 24 - Pathways Orientation – For New & Existing Users Pathways Session 4
• April 24 - Core Leadership Team Meeting
• April 26 - District Online Contest
• April 26 - District Council Meeting
• April 30 - Club Fitness Award Reports Due
• April 30 - AD Reports Due



May 2025:

• May 01 - Beat the Clock Program Begins
• May 02 - District 42 Conference (Lethbridge)
• May 03 - District 42 Conference (Lethbridge)
• May 03 - District 42 International & Table Topics Contests (Lethbridge)
• May 12 - Plains Toastmasters 65th Club Anniversary
• May 15 - Pathways Orientation – For New & Existing Users Pathways Session 4
• May 22 - Core Leadership Team Meeting

June 2025:

• June 02 - Division B Leadership Development & Club Officer Training
• June 07 - Division C Leadership Development & Club Officer Training
• June 12 - Pathways Orientation – For New & Existing Users Pathways Session 5
• June 16 - All Leader Call, District Leadership Meetings
• June 18 - Division F Leadership Development & Club Officer Training
• June 26 - Core Leadership Team Meeting
• June 30 - Beat the Clock Program Deadline

PS: When submitting the new event request form, please ensure all fields are completed in detail, with special attention to the Event Name, Event Description, Time, Time Zone & Poster. The PRM team has ready-made templates for your event posters. Simply reach out to them here, and I remain your loyal administration officer, always happy to support. Feel free to connect directly with me here.

Cheers, my co-toasties!

District Leader Showcase on April 25

Eugene Sicat, DTM, PMP, MBA

 Immediate Past District Director (2024-2025) | District 42

DLC and Realignment Chair (2024-2025) | District 42 

District elections are an important process that goes beyond simply filling officer positions; they serve as a means to identify our district’s long-term goals and to select leaders who can effectively help us achieve them. It is essential to thoughtfully evaluate candidates based on their ability to support our district’s objectives. In addition to fulfilling the minimum requirements for each leadership role, we should prioritize individuals who demonstrate strong skills in strategic thinking, project and program management, fiscal management, effective communication, team leadership, and training. This thoughtful approach will help ensure we choose leaders who possess the qualities necessary for guiding our district toward a successful future.

A district leader is encouraged to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of Toastmasters International, including its mission and vision, and the dynamics among clubs, areas, divisions, and districts. Each leader brings valuable skills and contributions that enrich our organization.

We are excited to invite you to attend our district leadership candidates' showcase on April 25 at 7 PM. This event is a fantastic opportunity to hear from candidates vying for significant roles, including District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and Division Director.  

Please use the link to register D42 Candidates Showcase 2025-2026 - Toastmasters, D42

Join us for an engaging evening where you can learn about their unique experiences and the journeys that have shaped their visions for our district. Each candidate will share their strategies and ideals, providing insight into what drives them to take on these important leadership roles. Your presence will not only enrich the conversation but also empower you to make informed decisions for our district's future. We look forward to seeing you there!

DISTRICT 42 CONFERENCE

District 42 Conference 2025 

Richard Lee-Thai

D42 Conference Chair

We are less than a month away from our annual District Conference being hosted in Lethbridge on May 2-3! We will be featuring Lark Doley, 2018-2019 Toastmasters International President, who will be joining us for this unforgettable weekend. If you want to learn more about her, we recently had a fireside chat with her:Video LINK. This will be a golden opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections, and celebrate the best of what our District has to offer. More information and registration for our Conference can be found here: https://d42tm.org/d42-conference-2025/

Here's what one of our attendees, Glenn Walker, DTM, Past District 99 Director, District 42 Citation Award Recipient has to say about why he's attending the Conference:

“As a member of District 99 who misses my many old friends from District 42, I am coming to your conference for the chance to network and catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Lark Doley was International President the year I was District Director in District 99, so it will be nice to get a chance to catch up with her again. Looking forward to coming to Lethbridge. It has been many years since the last time. See everyone there!”

Where: Lethbridge, AB

When: Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3, 2025

Secure your spot today HERE

Got questions? Reach out to DCconferencechair@d42tm.org.

Don’t wait - register today and be part of the excitement!

Click the images below to register for these events!

The room block at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge is full. 

Conference attendees can still book rooms at the conference rate based on availability. To make a reservation and receive our rate, here are the instructions I received. 

To Make Individual Reservations:

·        You can call our 24-hour Central Reservations office at 1-800-726-3626 / 1-800-SANDMAN.  

• In order to receive the correct rates, callers must reference: 
• Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge
• Group Name: District 42 Toastmasters
• Block ID: 510307
• Block code: TOASTMASTERS25
• A valid credit card is required at the time of reservation to secure any guests rooms.

Calling All Clubs! Submit Your Photos for the Club Banner Parade!

Be part of the Club Banner Parade and showcase your club spirit! What We Need:

• A photo of your club members (not a photo of the banner)
• Smiling faces and club pride are encouraged!

Deadline to Submit: April 25, 2025

Send your photos to Vesna Ivkovic at ivkovic@shaw.ca

Let’s celebrate the incredible clubs of District 42 - submit your photo today!

Division Director's Corner

Division F Contest Celebration – April 13th

Tongue Twisters, Toastmaster Charades, and Timeless Moments

Justin Amaldas

Division F Director

April 13th, a lazy Sunday afternoon, will be lively at the Huntington Hills Community Association. Sixteen clubs. One vibrant hall. The scent of coffee, cookies, and anticipation will be in the air. Laughter will rise with Toastmasters-themed charades—phrases like “Fearless Ice Breaker” brought to life through bold gestures and audience cheers.

Then, the mic calls the brave. It’s Tongue Twister Time—quick-fire wordplay and fearless delivery under pressure. Stumbles welcomed. Smiles guaranteed.

Next, live emotional stories will inspire. Contestants take the stage with hearts full and voices steady. Remember, if your own story doesn’t inspire you, it’s time to change it.

Afterwards, the Parade of Leaders and Legacy-Builders

• Contest Chief Judge – District Chief Judge Online-Marvin Henry
• Speech Contest Winner Shield – Presented by District Director Daisy Wei
• Table Topics Winner Medals – Presented by Past District Director Eugene Sicat
• Tongue Twister Awards – Presented by District PR Manager Saya Sanyal
• Certificates of Participation (Games) – by COG Chair - Laura Chambers
• Media & Promotions – Led by Area Directors Dan Deck, Ari Sanyal, and Reg Cracknell
• 50/50 Draw Winner – by Nandini Venkatesan, District Contest Chair (Online)
• Toastmaster of the Contest – Cheering Neha Mandal, Past Division F Director
• Hospitality & Hosting – Led by Chandresh Johnson and the Bedstone Olympics Team

Contest Chair and Organizer, and Gifts to Volunteers

Justin Amaldas, Division F Director

Medals shine. Laughter’s the glue when plans go sideways.

We don’t just speak—we spark.

Smile 50 times? That’s an endorphin party in your brain, and Stress runs miles away.

Come as you are. Bring your weird. Leave inspired.

We’re going in-person, which means limited seats and counts are going down—Faster than a bank account. The green light is on…but not for long. Secure your spot before it turns Red, because top leaders know the best quality is proactive.

Only enter your name HERE

Come. Connect and Celebrate.

Division B News

Stacey Kaminski

Division B Director

🏆 **Division B Area Contests Conclude: Congratulations to Our Winners!** 🏆

Congratulations to all the contestants across Division B as they competed in the Area Online and In Person Contests over the past two weeks. You all demonstrated the power of Toastmasters by providing refined and professional speeches in a public setting. You should all be proud of everything you accomplished to get here today, and I, like many other members from across the Division, am looking forward to supporting you all as you move forward and represent your club, your area, and further, Division B.  

A special thank you to the BAD’s (Division B Area Directors), Contest Chairs, Chief Judges, and EVERYONE who volunteered, for all the preparation and hard work that went into making these contests happen. Your time and efforts are truly appreciated. THANK YOU! 

Division B Contest Winners

You Are Cordially invited to attend the Division B Circle of Gold!

All first and second-place winners for each area in each of the contest categories will be advancing to the Division B contest. In preparation, you are all invited to the upcoming Circle of Gold sessions online on April 2^nd starting at 6:30 pm and in person on April 10^th starting at 6:30 pm at the Regina City Hall – Henry Baker Hall. 

Looking for experienced Toastmasters to provide feedback during these sessions. If you are interested, please contact Division B Director, Stacey Kaminski, at DivB@d42tm.org. 

📣** Join us for the Division B Contests on April 12th ** 📣

The April 12^th festivities will start with the online speech contest at 9:30 am via Zoom (Register to receive Link), an opportunity to gather with your fellow Toastmasters at an Optional Lunch in the heart of Downtown Regina, followed by the In-Person Contest at 3:00 pm at City Hall in the Henry Baker Hall, Regina, SK.

Follow the Event on Facebook!

Online Contest Chair & Chief Judge roles are still open as well as many other contest roles. If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to help out in some way, please reach out to Division B Director, Stacey Kaminski, at DivB@d42tm.org.  

A Tribute to our Friend, Fellow Toastmaster, and Area B09 Director – Nick Bobetsis

Nick was a dedicated Toastmaster and a valued member of the Civil Speakers Toastmasters Club. Despite being a newer member, he was always willing to take on extra responsibilities, and you could count on him to complete each task with excellence. On behalf of all our club members, we want to express how deeply Nick will be missed in so many ways.

We were fortunate to get to know Nick through his heartfelt speeches, where he often shared insights about life, work, Toastmasters, and his beloved family. His incredible sense of humor, which he sometimes underestimated, blossomed beautifully as he grew more confident in delivering it. Watch the final product of Nick’s Pathways elective, Create a Podcast, titled “Anniversary Podcast – Father Daughter Relationships.”

Joining the Civil Speakers Club on March 1, 2023, Nick accomplished so much in his brief time as a Toastmaster. He earned two Triple Crowns, served as Sergeant at Arms and VP of Public Relations, was awarded Rookie of the Year for Civil Speakers, won Public Relations of the Year for the club, led a successful Speechcraft program, joined the BLT Advanced Toastmasters Club and was actively serving as Area B09 Director.

Nick’s passion for Toastmasters and his unwavering commitment to our club and beyond will always be remembered. His legacy will inspire us to continue striving for excellence and to embrace the joys of life, and to public speaking.

Rest in Peace.

- To Nick Bobetsis

The funeral will be held on Friday, April 4^th, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Westminster United Church: 3025 13^th Avenue, Regina, SK. Obituary information for Nick Bobetsis

To sign or share your sentiments with Nick’s family, visit CARD LINK

BLOG

Youth Leadership Program

Mary Schoendorfer, DTM

District 42 Youth Leadership Program Chair

You’ve been hearing about youth programs and wondering how that fits for you?

Perhaps you are just a person who loves working with this age group! Maybe you are a teacher, maybe not, maybe you have some experience, or not, maybe this age group scares you to death – but you’re curious!

One of the check boxes towards your DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) award is to facilitate a Youth Leadership Program. We want to cheer you on and offer resources to support a successful program. The TI program is traditionally for ages 13-17, with around 15 participants. Let’s talk!

The future of our organization and our world is our youth! This is your opportunity to impact an audience hungry to learn, impact the world, and spread their ideas.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Pathways Orientation - For New and Existing Users

Chuck LeBlanc, DTM

District Education Committee Chair

Pathways orientation session dates:

• April 24, 2025
• May 15, 2025
• June 12, 2025

Each Pathways orientation session is divided into 2 segments.

Segment Number 1: (5:30-7:00 PM MT)

• This portion of the training is geared toward the new members not already using Base Camp. It takes the learner through the process of creating and signing up for their first path.

Segment Number 2: (7:00-8:30 PM MT)

• This portion of the training is for existing users of Base Camp who want to learn how to use the features of the system. Here we will take a more comprehensive look at what Base Camp has to offer.

Registration is required. Register HERE. We look forward to seeing you there!

Nominate Like a Pro: How to Submit Winning Of The Year Awards

Vesna Ivkovic, DTM

D42 Webmaster/Dispatch Designer

Not sure how to nominate someone for an Of The Year Award? We’ve got you!

In this session, we’ll break down the process, share tips to make your nomination stand out, and answer your burning questions. It’s time to give your club members the recognition they deserve!

Date: Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM (MT)

Where: Zoom

This session is open to everyone, not just VP PRs! Let’s celebrate excellence across District 42—one nomination at a time! Register now and take your club’s PR to the next level! Join the fun! REGISTER HERE

DID YOU KNOW

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Answer to Word of the Month: 1