District 26 Toastmasters News

March 2026

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Message from our District Director, Ruth Prentice

Ruth Prentice

D26 District Director 25/26

Message from Program Quality Director Kim Angell

Message from Club Growth Director, Anoop Kumar

We had a fantastic time meeting many leaders while attending the Chile Division Speech Contest on February 28. I hope you are also getting out to events to meet other D26 Toastmasters. Be sure to log these using the new edition of the Role Play Game created by Robin Love. (More information plus link to the gameboard at end of this newsletter). For the remainder of the year, let's focus on quality meetings, which is the secret sauce to increasing membership in all our clubs.

Big news for Club Growth! We are excited to welcome a new club that joined our district - Haynes Mechanical in Greenwood Village, bringing on 37 new members.

Upcoming events: March / April

Late Breaking Opportunity for Speech Contestants!

Luisa Montalvo, World Champion, leading "Coaching Night" this Wednesday evening, March 4th!

Calling all CLUBS to support DIVISION and DISTRICT Contests!

Thank you to all who volunteered for the Area Contests. We held 9 Area contests in a 5-week period. YOUR participation as a functionary or audience member made these the successes they were!

We still need more roles to be filled (judges, ballot counters, timers) at DIVISION and DISTRICT contests (training is provided). Contact PQD Kim Angell to volunteer.

If filling a role is not your calling (at this time!), commit to being an audience member and enjoy all these excellent speakers. It is always a rich and rewarding experience. Your presence is what makes these events successful. See you there! 

Keynote Speaker and Workshop Presenter:

Friday evening and Saturday

We are honored to welcome Gauri Seshadri, First Vice President of Toastmasters International as our keynote speaker and featured workshop presenter. Her insights on leadership, communication, and global impact will set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

Saturday Keynote and Workshop Presenter

Bob Hooey, DTM and Accredited Speaker

Bob blends humor, storytelling, and practical wisdom to ignite leadership and communication excellence. Bob is one of only 88 Toastmasters worldwide to earn the Accredited Speaker title.

Sunday Workshop Presenters

Bob Hooey, DTM and Accredited Speaker

Marty Dickinson, “The Business Longevity Guy,” author, TM

Bob Hooey, known as the “Idea Man,” shares lessons learned and memorable highlights from his 35-year journey in Toastmasters.



Marty Dickinson has a passion for empowering others. He shows speakers how to highlight their skills and offers proven ways to help clubs thrive and grow. He shares his expertise in helping businesses attract sales opportunities and grow despite challenges.

Conference Volunteers Needed! Contact PQD Kim Angell

to be part of this special event!

2026 Area Contest Winners, 1st Place

Chili Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Michael Miller, Storytellers Toastmasters Club

Table Topics, Area 2, Natasha Bell, Midday Madness Club

Table Topics, Area 3, Norma Lauben, Albuquerque Weekenders Club

Table Topics, Area 4, Jeremiah Quintana, Taylor Ranch Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 1, Denise Alt, Speak with Distinction

International Speech, Area 2, Amy Miller, Daybreakers Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 3, Zac Addison, Albuquerque Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 4, Franky Armendariz, Taylor Ranch Toastmasters

Denver Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Amanda Hinton, Zayo Global Toastmasters

Table Topics, Area 2, na

Table Topics, Area 3, na

Table Topics, Area 4, Elizabeth Lizotte-Brown, Timberline Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 1, Dustin Green, Zayo Global Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 2, na

International Speech, Area 3, Torrie Nguyen, Daybreak Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 4, Carol Baker, Liberty Toastmasters

Eastern Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Emily Garcia, Opportunity Talks Toastmaster's Club

Table Topics, Area 2, na

Table Topics, Area 3, Mindi Strong, Liberty Toastmasters-North

Table Topics, Area 4, Kerri Miller, Boulder Speakeasy

International Speech, Area 1, Rich Hopkins, Solar Speak Club

International Speech, Area 2, na

International Speech, Area 3, Curtis Weibel, Seamasters Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 4, Justin Morgan, Boulder Speakeasy

Foothills Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Tammy Sutterfield, Excelsior Advanced Toastmasters Club

Table Topics, Area 2, Terry Ploski, Golden Toastmasters

Table Topics, Area 3, Megann Grett-Pratt, Tenmile Toastmasters

Table Topics, Area 4, Chris Anderson, Dawn Yawn

International Speech, Area 1, Joyce Feustel, Excelsior Advanced Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 2, Sarah Robbins, Golden Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 3, Megann Grett-Pratt, Tenmile Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 4, Chris Anderson, Dawn Yawn

Metro Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Ben Burrows, Centennial Toastmasters

Table Topics, Area 2, Joel Peacock, 5280 Toastmasters

Table Topics, Area 3, Nathaniel Dean, Columbine Communicators Club

Table Topics, Area 4, David Natalizia, Castle Rock Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 1, Victoria Wright, Centennial Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 2, Joel Peacock, 5280 Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 3, Alex Dorfman, South Suburban Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 4, Todd Williams, Parker Toastmasters

Northern Division

Table Topics, Area 1, na

Table Topics, Area 2, Rhonda Hoadley, Roadmasters of Cheyenne

Table Topics, Area 3, Sam Shada, Resource Masters

Table Topics, Area 4, Rigo Rangel, Salud! Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 1, na

International Speech, Area 2, Rhonda Hoadley, Roadmasters of Cheyenne

International Speech, Area 3, Timothy Cowan, Fort Collins #375 Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 4, Sam Shada, Peak Performance

Southern Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Chris Lundgren, Trusty Talkers

Table Topics, Area 2, Shawn Laborde, Colorado Springs Toastmasters Club

Table Topics, Area 3, Glenn Knight, Artfully Speaking

Table Topics, Area 4, na

International Speech, Area 1, Micahel Brinson, 21st Century Toastmasters

International Speech, Area 2, Jenna Boulware, Colorado Springs Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 3, Thomas Greer, Artfully Speaking

International Speech, Area 4, na

Urban Division

Table Topics, Area 1, Matthew Fox, Professional Presenters Toastmasters

Table Topics, Area 2, Amarely Quintanilla, Aurorators Toastmasters Club

Table Topics, Area 3, Darryle Brown, Simply Speaking Toastmasters Club

Table Topics, Area 4, Jessica Miller, Empowering Great Speakers

International Speech, Area 1, Nur Umar, Cherry Creek Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 2, Glenn West, Aurorators Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 3, Meredith Myers, Simply Speaking Toastmasters Club

International Speech, Area 4, na

Club Growth Action Team



This Team supports the club journey to excellence, by helping clubs grow membership and reach goals in the Distinguished Club Program. 

Club Coach Corner - Monthly Forum

This 1-hour session is designed for Club Coaches and leaders to connect, share challenges, and collaborate on solutions. We discuss club growth strategies, getting to Distinguished status and how to help your club thrive.

Hosted by: Robin Love & Anoop Kumar

Frequency: Once per month

Registration: on the D26 Calendar

March Dues

Has your club submitted its dues? Be sure to do this as soon as possible, so your club remains in good standing.

Not only does this meet a goal for the Distinguished Club Program, but it also ensures the contestants from your club can continue to compete in Speech Contests.

D26 Role Game – New Gameboard, New Rewards

GET READY TO

RO-O-O-O-LE!
(plays from January through June)

Many clubs have already filled in several squares by being a contestant, volunteer or audience member for an Area Contest. Division Contests are happening throughout March, so be sure to participate and earn another square!

There are Three Ways to Win:

• Bingo Patterns: Complete horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines—or go for the ultimate Blackout.
• Badges: Earn Fan / Crew / Arena badges that highlight how you contribute—Attendance, Service, or Competition.
• Just Showing Up: If you play, you win—because the real victory is an engaged community.

Club Officers: recruit your Game Master today and launch at your next club meeting! This high-visibility “quasi-officer” serves as your club’s Chief Engagement Officer—championing the game at each meeting, tracking progress, and keeping the momentum fun and fast. 

Find the game board and instructions on the D26 website, or reach out directly to Robin Love, Club Retention Chair, at robin.love@gmail.com.

Leadership Opportunities – Is this you?

Thinking about building some new skills or getting more experience in skills you are learning?

Consider taking on an AREA or DIVISION Director role. You will work with a team of directors to strengthen clubs by providing feedback and support.

Contact the following leaders to get answers to your questions and learn more about the roles: James Gable, DTM and Immediate Past District Director, Analisa Martinez, DTM and Immediate Past District Director, and Ruth Prentice, District Director.

Floor Candidates for elected positions: submit applications to districtdirector@d26leaders by midnight 1 week before the 2026 District Council Meeting taking place on April 19, 2026.

September 2025 through April 2026

(Click the "D26 Incentives" banner above for more information)

Go to the District 26 website for more information! District 26 Toastmasters