January 2025 Vol.52

A Look Inside

1. District Director Message
2. Program Quality Director Message
3. Club Growth Director Message
4. DLC Call for Candidates
5. District Conference Early Bird Sale
6. Pat Panfile-Ben Luce Call For Nominations
7. Events and Workshops
8. Club Anniversaries
9. December Achievements

Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best personally and professionally, with success in all your endeavors. 

What are your goals for 2025? One of my goals is the success of our District, which really starts with you, our members.

Do you tell people about Toastmasters? Do you share with friends or family the speech you are working on? Or perhaps talk to your supervisor at work about the leadership skills you have gained through your Toastmasters experience? Do you wear Toastmaster branded shirts or hats when you are at the grocery store? Do you share your passion for Toastmasters with others who are outside of Toastmasters?

Let's bring our love of Toastmasters to others! Let’s work together to grow our clubs as we help each other improve our communication and leadership skills.

With a heart for service,

Avis

-Avis Brodie, DTM, PDG

District 65, 2024-25 District Director

Happy New Year, District 65!

I hope everyone had a refreshing holiday season and are now back relaxed and revived for a brand New Year.

What a way to start the year! Together, we’ve achieved over 160 level completions and trained over 300 club officers in Phase 1 (summer) training.

Let’s continue this amazing momentum.

Phase 2 Club Officer training will be taking place, in person, at Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester) on January 18^th from 10 am until 12.30 pm. We hope to see many of you there for some engaging workshops and networking. Register at https://form.jotform.com/243546434725157

Leadership is not a title. It’s a behavior. Live it. ~ Robin Sharma

If you can’t make it on January 18^th, the District will be hosting another online one-hour training on January 21^st. Don’t hesitate to visit the District Calendar for more information and registration links https://tmdistrict65.org/calendar/

I wish you all a new year filled with growth and abundance.



-Gillian Sheldon, DTM

District 65, 2024-25 Program Quality Director

Club growth is essential for the long-term success and vitality of any Toastmasters organization. As we strive to build a strong community of communicators and leaders, expanding our membership and fostering an inclusive environment are key priorities. A growing club not only brings in new voices and fresh perspectives but also helps to sustain and enrich the overall Toastmasters experience.

One effective approach to club growth is through outreach. Engaging with local communities, hosting open houses, and partnering with organizations that align with our goals can attract potential members. By offering a welcoming atmosphere and showcasing the benefits of Toastmasters, we can spark interest and enthusiasm in individuals who are eager to improve their public speaking and leadership skills.

Another important factor in growth is member retention. Ensuring that all members feel supported and integrated into the club is crucial. Personalized mentoring, clear pathways for growth, and regular feedback help create a positive experience that encourages long-term participation. Happy, engaged members are more likely to spread the word and invite others to join.

Promoting the value of Toastmasters not just as a platform for self-improvement, but also as a network of like-minded individuals, builds a sense of belonging. A strong sense of community helps members feel invested in the club’s success, motivating them to actively contribute to its expansion.

Ultimately, the key to growth lies in building a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive club culture that attracts and retains passionate individuals. By focusing on outreach, retention, and engagement, we can ensure sustainable growth and continued success for District 65.

Happy New Year!

-Brianna Wichowsky

District 65, 2024-25 Club Growth Director

District Leadership Committee Call for Candidates

due January 15, 2024

Greetings Future Leaders of District 65,

The District Leadership Committee (DLC) is responsible for ensuring the long-term success of our District by nominating candidates for the leadership roles for our District.

Through an open process, the committee seeks out potential candidates, interviews and evaluates them, and finally submits nominated candidates for election at the District’s Annual Meeting of the District Council.

All candidates declaring for a 2025-2026 District Leadership role are to declare their intent to run to Sam Otto, DTM, IPDD, District Leadership Chair, at TheRealSamOtto@gmail.com no later than January 15, 2024.

We are seeking nominations (self-nominated or nominate someone) for District Director, Program Quality Director, Club Growth Director, and Division Directors (A), (C), (D), and (E).

Candidates will need to submit the official Candidate Application Form, the Nomination Form, and the Officer Agreement and Release Form to the District Leadership Chair by the application deadline.

Download the forms by clicking on the PDF link.

• Candidate Application Form (Submit) [PDF]
• Nomination Form (Submit) [PDF]
• Officer Agreement and Release Form (Submit) [PDF]
• Biographical Information (Submit) [PDF]
• Photograph (Submit) [Email]

Do not procrastinate as January 15, 2025, is the last day to submit your paperwork.

Best regards,

Sam Otto, DTM

District Leadership Committee Chair 2025

Immediate Past District 65 Director  

phone 585-489-1582

The $99 Early Bird Sale for the 2025 District 65 Conference is now EXTENDED! It runs until Feburary 14th. Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot and be part of all the action.

Get your tickets by clicking HERE

Prices increase after Valentine's Day, so act now!

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)Request for Pat Panfile Ben Luce Award Nominations

Dear District 65 Toastmaster:

Each year, District 65 Toastmasters recognize a member of Toastmasters who continues to exemplify the spirit of Toastmasters and worked to promote Toastmasters within the District 65 community. This award is a memorial award, honoring the contributions to District 65 and the Toastmasters organization.

Learning from our past leaders, many members take the extra step of promoting the Toastmasters organization. It’s a step that person takes, when no credit is being earned towards an award, when it is not part of their job/role in Toastmasters. As demonstrated by Pat Panfile and Ben Luce, the organization thrives when the members help the organization become strong.

The Pat Panfile Ben Luce Nomination Committee is comprised of past recipients of this prestigious award. These exemplary Toastmasters work together to recognize the Toastmasters organization as well as the community in which they serve, promoting the Toastmasters program. It is presented by the immediate past recipient of the award.

Below, please find a nomination form for this award. Consider nominating and recognizing someone you know who exemplifies this award. Once this award recipient is selected, District 65 presents this award at the District 65 Spring Conference. It is presented by the past recipient of the award.

Our traditions continue. Our service continues. Please take the time to recognize a member you know, who represents the spirit of this award. The award nomination form for the Pan Panfile Ben Luce award is attached. Nominees for this award cannot be prior recipients of the award, a current District 65 Officer, or a candidate running for office in the next Toastmasters year, starting on July 1, 2025.

Nominations may be sent to Dan Ferens, DTM, at dtmdanf@yahoo.com.

Please return nominations by February 9, 2025

Dan will acknowledge receipt of your nomination with an email response.

Feel free to email, call, or text any questions to me at 315-272-5152.

Click here for nomination form (Microsoft Word)

Click here for nomination form (.pdf)

Sincerely,

Dan Ferens, DTM, on behalf of the

Pat Panfile Ben Luce Committee, 2025

Your copy shou

D65 Events and Workshops

D65 Early Bird Sale-$99 Tickets! Now Extended for A Limited Time Only!

• Runs until Feburary 14, 2025!
• Do not miss out on a deal of a lifetime! Thrilling speech contests! Game-changing educational workshops and powerful networking opportunities. Are you ready to unlock your full potential?
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/uk1Zz

How to Run A Successful Contest

• January 7, 2025 at 7PM
• Discover the secret ingredients to winning success with the magic formula for a successful contest! Unlock proven strategies and insights that will take your competition to the next level and set you apart from the rest.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/LzTNS

Welcome to Toastmasters / Pathways 101

• January 8, 2025 at 7PM
• New to Toastmasters? This is the place to start. Join us to learn the ins and outs of Toastmasters and Pathways, set your goals, and connect with fellow members…and District Leadership!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/M1Pz4

Speechcraft: How to Run an Effective Program to Generate Membership

• January 18, 2025
• Unlock the power of "Speechcraft" to effectively engage and inspire new members! This dynamic program equips you with the tools and strategies to run impactful sessions that not only improve public speaking skills but also attract and retain dedicated members for your organization. This workshop will be part of Club Officer Training Phase 2.
• Register Here:  https://shorturl.at/QtXOZ

In-Person COT Phase 2 (In Person)

• January 18, 2025, from 10AM-12:30PM
• Location: Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY
• Get hands-on training and connect with fellow officers as you enhance your leadership skills.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/QtXOZ

Mentor Monday

• January 20, 2025 at 6PM
• Need an idea for a Pathways project, inspiration for a speech or anything Toastmasters related? Mentor Monday is here to provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your goals and grow as a speaker and leader!
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/tD5fT 

Zoom COT Phase 2 (Virtual)

• Jan 21, 2025, from 7-830PM
• Continue your training and deepen your understanding of effective club leadership in this online session.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/AbPf7

Open Houses That Will Build Membership

• January 22, 2025 at 7PM
• Learn how to host effective Toastmasters open houses that attract new members. This workshop will provide you with practical strategies to engage visitors and turn them into regular participants in your club.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/Y0m8t

S

Social Media: Creating and Scheduling Posts

• January 28, 2025 at 7PM
• In this workshop, you'll learn best practices for crafting timeless social media posts that resonate with your audience for months to come. We’ll guide you through creating effective internal and external messaging, and help you design a series of posts your club can use for long-term engagement and visibility.
• Register Here: https://shorturl.at/WJl2g

Club Anniversaries



Empire Statesmen-1954

Spacetalkers-2008

Speakers of the House-2010

Educational Achievements

December 2024

Level 1

Paul R. Marshall, EC1

Annette Dathe, IP1

Avis C. Brodie, VC1

Adrienne K. Ma, IP1

Steve Cho, PM1

Stephanie McCoy, PM1

Penny A. Kring, EC1

Richard Teel, VC1

Peter Raylea, EH1

Level 2

Paul R. Marshall, EC2

Artrell Williams, EH2

Denise M. Kelly, IP2

Janet Justice, EH2

Level 3

Sherry L. Thompson, EH3

Roberta Benedict, VC3

Gillian Sheldon, IP3

Kevin O’Connor, EH3

Rachel Dowling, PM3

Level 4

John S. O’Hare, VC4

Susan Castillon, VC4

Russell Glor, DL4

Distinguished Toastmaster

Richard Poydock, DTM

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.

"only 7 remaining!"