October 2025 Vol.61

A Look Inside

1. District Trio Message
2. News and Announcements
3. Events and Workshops
4. September Club Anniversaries
5. August Achievements
6. In Memoriam: George Stooks

District Trio Message

Rising Momentum and Tall Tales Ahead

What a busy month it’s been!

A huge thank you to all club leaders who collaborated to submit their Club Success Plans by September 30th. This collective effort sets a solid foundation for the year ahead, setting goals for meaningful activities that help members achieve their goals.

Membership renewals were also due, and we’re proud to report that our numbers remain strong. Still, the journey doesn’t end here – sustaining and building on our base requires ongoing commitment and creativity. Let’s continue to keep the momentum going by bringing a guest to your next meeting! The spark of transformation often begins with a simple invitation.

As we fall into October, contest season is upon us! It’s time to weave a Tall Tale or two and embrace the storytelling spirit. Mark your calendars for November 22nd in Rochester, where the District Leadership event and Tall Tales contest will deliver a day full of inspiration, laughter, and leadership. You won’t want to miss it.

Let’s continue to lean in – as together, we achieve more!

As always, thank you for your support!

-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

Area Speech Contests Begin

Our Area Directors have been working hard to prepare this month’s Area Speech Contests, and now it’s time to rally together. Whether you’re able to serve as a Judge, Ballot Counter, Timer, or simply attend and cheer from the audience, your support means a lot. These contests are a chance for members to grow, shine, and share their voices - and your presence helps make that possible.

To help, reach out to your Area Director. Not sure who that is or how to reach them, head over to the District 65 website and look under “Leadership” for the Division & Area Directors list. Unsure which Area your club belongs to? Visit Toastmasters International’s “Find a Club” page, search for your club, and check the Club Details section for your Area information.

Let’s make this contest season one to remember – for our contestants, our clubs, and our community.

-Gillian Sheldon, DTM

District 65, 2025-26 District Director

For all forms related to Speech Contests, please visit the District 65 Website and navigate to Events > Speech Contests.

Public Relations Committee

Looking for volunteers to help with the District Public Relations. Below is a list of positions/roles that have been identified. If you have a skill for Public Relations that is not listed below and are willing to help, let the PRM know about that as well.

• Social Media Updates
• Newsletter
• Identifying and organizing local communications (free/low-cost)
• Print - Newspapers
• TV
• Radio
• Other?
• Video (Editor & Videographer)
• YouTube Management
• Graphic Artist
• WordPress Editor

-Richard Teel

District 65, 2025-26 Public Relations Manager (PRM)

Events and Workshops

You Don’t Want to Miss This! Register Today!

Saturday Success Series: Elevate your Voice and Vision

• Saturday 4 October at 9:00 am
• The Power of Body Language: In Person & Online
• Engagement - The secret to a successful club
• The Blogger’s Toolkit: Success Strategies
• See District 65 Calendar for more information.
• Register: https://shorturl.at/903ZN

How to Build a Better Newsletter

• Thursday 9 October at 10:00pm – 11:00pm ET (7-8 pm PT)
• Hosted by District 100 (Southern California)
• Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L32NJcIbS2ekxG_NR2P-7A

Personal Branding Workshop with Karen Oldhoven

• Wednesday 15 October 1:00 – 2:30pm ET (7 to 8:30 Central European Time (CET))
• Hosted by District 59 (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and Monaco)
• Discover what personal branding really means
• Find the skills that make you unique
• Learn to communicate with confidence
• Leave with a clear action plan for your brand
• Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/W-u32BuETk6_TNPH9WXtdA

Welcome to Toastmasters/ Pathways 101

• Saturday 18 October 9:00 – 10:15am ET
• Open to all. Come learn all about Toastmasters, what it has to offer, as well as the Pathways educational program.
• See District 65 Calendar for more information.
• Register: https://shorturl.at/cQx6e

Mentor Monday

• Monday, October 20 6:00 – 7:00pm ET
• Do you have a question about Toastmasters – whether it be about the club experience, generic speech topics or anything Pathways? If so, this is your opportunity to connect with District leaders and members of the District to bounce ideas and gain insight from your fellow members – all in a supportive environment.
• Held the third Monday of every month.
• See District 65 Calendar for more information.
• Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtdu-srjojGt0Adu64au85ki_PIysqqpZJ

Behind the Scenes - Basecamp Manager

• Monday, October 20 7:00 – 8:00pm ET
• Discover how the Base Camp Manager role powers member progress in Pathways. This practical session covers approving levels, tracking achievements, resolving common issues, and motivating members. Perfect for VPEs, Presidents, and curious leaders ready to elevate club success.
• See District 65 Calendar for more information.
• Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_YlQGkxkRb-lwrcWzZtIdw

Fall Leadership Celebration, Club Officer Training, and District Tall Tales Contest

• Saturday, November 22 9 am- 4 pm
• Location: Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester - Lake Auditorium in Merlin G. Smith Hall
• Cost: $15
• Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/leadership-event-november-22--2025

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

Anniversaries & Achievements

Club Anniversaries

Big Red Toastmasters - 2012

Amherst Chamber Toastmasters - 2014

Good Morning Syracuse - 2015

Sylvester Anderson's Voices To Be Heard - 2015

Moog Toastmasters - 2024

Educational Achievements

September 2025

Congratulations on your Pathways Education Achievements!

Level 1

Avis C. Brodie, DTM

David Childress

Mark Miller

Rose Pieklik

Laura Rolnick

LaRon Rowe

Jeremy Stott

Level 2

Kevin Assogba

Erik Baker

Alonzo M. Etheredge

Antonio Labbe

Kelly Murphy

David W. Otten

LaRon Rowe

Gillian Sheldon, DTM

Keith E. Vandegrift

Dean Westbrook

Level 3

Che' Hagins

Hillary Merzdorf

Peter F. Moolin

Kevin N. Robinson Jr.

Mohammad Saif

Richard Teel

Taikara A. Yohe

Level 4

Mary O'Neill

Alexander Turner, DTM

Level 5

Christine Kirwan

Ellen Pieklo, DTM

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)

Jessica A. James, 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.