June 2026 Vol.69

 

"Teamwork is the ability to work toward

a common vision."



-Andrew Carnegie


Together We Achieve More!

A Look Inside


  1. District Trio Message
  2. News and Announcements
  3. Events and Workshops
  4. Club Anniversaries
  5. Achievements


District Trio Message


As we enter the final month of the Toastmasters year, we’re met with 30 days of opportunity – 30 days to reflect on how far we, the members have come, and 30 days to strengthen the foundation that will carry us confidently into the year ahead. Every achievement this year, from icebreakers to Pathways levels to moments of courage, grew from steady practice, supportive feedback, and clubs committed to helping every member thrive.


These final days are a chance to pause, acknowledge that progress, and recommit to the habits that fuel continued growth. Staying engaged, showing up, and supporting one another ensures that every member has the opportunity to speak, learn, and lead as the Toastmaster year ends. It’s also the perfect moment to reach out to guests, invite them to join your club, and help them begin their own journey, as well as encourage members to finalize all education submissions before June 30th so every accomplishment is recognized.


From each one of us, it has been an honor and a privilege serving as your District Trio this Toastmasters year. Below, you’ll find details on upcoming events, speaking opportunities, and the celebrations that will close out District 65.


Let’s close out strong on District 65 and accelerate into the launch of District 53 - energized, united, and ready for what’s next.


Thirty days. Thirty chances. Let’s make each one count. 


As, together – we achieve more!


-Gillian Sheldon, DTM

District 65, 2025-26 District Director


-Scott Schaefer

District 65, 2025-26 Program Quality Director


-Jeannette Kreher Heberling, DTM

District 65, 2025-26 Club Growth Director



News and Announcements


End of Year Awards

Your Voice Matters


As members of District 65, your voice matters to District leadership. We would like to hear from you on who you think exemplifies leadership and communication in our District.


Please submit your nominations for the 'End of Year Awards' to District Director, Gillian Sheldon DTM, by no later than June 15, 2026 - through the online submission form -  


Nominations are now open for the following awards:  https://forms.gle/gWLEdxkm65TwctKE9


Toastmaster of the Year - This pinnacle award is given to a member who best exemplifies Toastmasters International values in supporting the District mission. The Toastmaster of the Year is expected to excel in a variety of leadership and communication, educational, marketing and public relations activities.


Club President of the Year - This award is based on the Toastmaster club activities and personal achievements, including educational program, club administration, membership and other club activities.


Area Director of the Year - This award is based on the Area performance and the individuals’ contributions to that achievement. The achievements are measured across membership building and retention, club extensions, distinguished club program, education and training, leadership commitment and support, and public relations.


Division Director of the Year - This award is based on the Division performance and the individual’s contributions to that achievement. The achievements are measured across membership building and retention, club extensions, distinguished club program, education and training, leadership commitment and support, and public relations.


Club Coach of the Year - This award goes to a successful Club Coach who leads a club back to Distinguished Club status. Club Coaches are measured on the depth of their activities.


Speechcraft: The Gateway to Club Growth


Speechcraft is one of Toastmasters most powerful club‑building tools - a short, high‑impact program that gives non‑members a hands‑on taste of what Toastmasters can do for their confidence, communication, and leadership. Think of it as a “mini Toastmasters experience” that turns curious visitors into committed members.

 

Why Run It

  • It brings new energy into the club.  Speechcraft attracts people who are actively looking to improve - entrepreneurs, professionals, students, community leaders. These are exactly the kind of members who strengthen a club’s culture.
  • It creates instant momentum.  Participants get rapid wins: their first speech, their first evaluation, their first growth experience in Toastmasters. That excitement spills directly into your club meetings.
  • It develops your own members.  Running Speechcraft gives members a chance to facilitate, mentor, coach, and organize - all in a supportive learning environment.
  • It converts participants into members.  Clubs consistently see strong conversion rates because participants feel connected, supported, and invested by the time the program ends.


Click HERE to read more!

Thank You!



Thank you to all the members of District 65 for your outstanding contributions and dedication over the years. You have made this district truly special. Let’s take the strong bond and unity we’ve built here and carry it proudly into District 53 as we begin this next chapter together.


Events and Workshops


TI: Member Meet Up - Finishing Strong and Planning for Next Education Year


District-wide Speech-A-Thon: One Date | One Time | Three Locations

  • Saturday, June 13, 930am-12:30pm







Mentor Monday


Launching Your Toastmasters Journey - New Member Orientation


Club Officer Training and End of Year Awards (Lunch provided)

  • District 65’s Club Officer Training and End of Year Awards event combines essential leadership development for incoming officers with a formal celebration of the past year's outstanding member and club achievements. It is a vital opportunity to recognize excellence while ensuring the next generation of club leaders is prepared to foster success in the coming term.
  • Saturday, June 27, 9am-2pm
  • Location: The Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St. John Fisher University, Rochester 3690 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14618
  • Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/mwxxn6fh


View trainings and events on the District 65 Website at https://tmdistrict65.org/calendar/.


Anniversaries & Achievements


Club Anniversaries


Utica National-1983

Select-1994

Rochester High Noon-1998

Toasting the Blues-2007

Prose of Speech-2009

Clarence-2010

Toast of Roswell-2014

QuidelOrtho-2016

Educational Achievements

May 2026


Congratulations on your Pathways Education Achievements!


Level 1

Alex Gitsis

Andrew Mitchell

Carson Montoney

Colby Orr

Endy Onwuka

Grady Kessler

Jaxon Tucker

Lucas Beyer

Mackennah Decker

Mitchell Wise

Nick Knoth

Nolan Dudley

Owen Sullivan

Patrick Brady Altpeter

Patrick Smith

Rebecca C. Varga

Rylie Hoad

Shane VanNostrand

Shantaya Cuesta


Level 2

Amy Hernandez Gamboa

Cameron Weimer

Cari L. Sans

Keith E. Vandegrift

Kisan B. Jadhav

Liam Kulczak

Lucilo Marte

Matthew J. Bull


Level 3

Brianna Wichowsky, DTM

Cameron Weimer

Kellie Murphy

Liam Kulczak

Megan Bushneck

Sandra Cittadino


Level 4

David M. Johnson

Janet Justice

Kisan B. Jadhav

Ryan M. Kelly

Sandra Cittadino


Level 5

Alexander Turner, DTM

Deborah A. Hunt, DTM

Maria Maier

Matthew W. Benedict, DTM

Michele J. Rase

Richard Teel



CONGRATULATIONS!

*Disclaimer*

The District 65 Team recommends using your personal or home electronic devices to access registration links. Some company devices may have restrictions that could interfere with the process.

Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your cooperation.

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