November 2025 Vol.62

A Look Inside

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

District Trio Message

To every member who renewed their membership for this next season: thank you. You’ve made a powerful choice – to invest in yourself, your growth, and every member in your club community. That decision isn’t just about keeping a membership active, it’s about leaning into and saying “yes” to possibility.

Through time we learn that Toastmasters is more than a meeting. It’s a continuous learning experience – a framework designed to support your goals, stretch your skills, and unleash your potential – in any area of your life. Pathways gives you structure, but the real magic happens when you lean in.

Take on a new role. Mentor someone. Step into a contest. Collaborate on a club campaign; the more you engage, the more you grow. Toastmasters gives back what you put in – at least tenfold.

On November 22nd, we're gathering to celebrate connection, courage and community. We'll recognize achievements of members and clubs, continue leadership education and training, meet and be inspired by our remarkable members. Let's make it a day to remember! Register here:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/leadership-event-november-22--2025

Together, we can 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

You’re invited to the District 65 Fall Leadership Summit!

It’s a high-impact, one-day experience designed to elevate your Toastmasters journey.

This isn’t just a meeting. It’s a summit built around the 3Cs that power real growth:



🤝 Connection – Build relationships with fellow members and leaders across the district

🎉 Celebration – Honor the achievements of clubs and individuals who’ve gone above and beyond

🏆 Compete – Enjoy the fun and inspiration of our Tall Tales Contest

What’s in store:

✔️ A dynamic keynote speaker to spark new insights

✔️ A fun and fearless Tall Tales contest

✔️ Recognition of outstanding clubs and members

✔️ Phase 2 Club Officer Training credit for all participating officers

Whether you’re a new member, seasoned leader, or somewhere in between, this summit is for you.

📅 Saturday, November 22^nd, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY

🚨 Pre-registration is required. Lunch is included.

👉 [Register now ]← Click here to save your seat

Don’t miss your chance to connect, celebrate, and compete with the best of District 65.

Come for the inspiration. Stay for the growth.

Greetings District 65 Toastmasters!

The Fall Leadership Celebration is being held Saturday November 22,2025 We will have World Champion of Public Speaking semi-finalist Roger Cesar as our Keynote Speaker.

District 65 Leadership is looking for Sponsors for this event. How can you help us with this event?

We need financial donations to help with this amazing event. Individual may help with a personal donation starting at $25.00. Clubs may donate $50.00 to $100.00.

Checks made out to Toastmasters District 65 may be mailed to Kate Olsen, 34 Delemere Blvd, Fairport, NY 14450. Please email Kate to let her know the check is in the mail. Donation checks need to be received before November 14, 2025.

We would like to make a gift basket for our Keynote Speaker from the members of District 65. Please contact Kate and let her know what you are contributing to the basket.

You may bring your contribution to the Leadership Celebration. 

Please start talking about how you and your club can help with this amazing event!

If you are willing to help, please contact Kate Olsen @ klolsen@rochester.rr.com.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Kate Olsen, DTM, PDG, PDD

Sponsorship Chair

klolsen@rochester.rr.com

585-770-4783

District 65 Rewards

District 65 is proud to recognize the dedication and excellence of our members and clubs through exciting achievement rewards. Whether you're building momentum, reaching milestones, or empowering others, your efforts deserve to shine. From individual accomplishments to collaborative club triumphs, our rewards honor progress, passion, and impact. Let’s make this year unforgettable by lifting each other higher. Explore the rewards, aim boldly, and let your achievements be seen, shared, and celebrated across our Toastmasters community!

Please visit https://tmdistrict65.org/incentives65/ for a full list of incentives.

WhatsApp Pathways!!!



Do you have a question about Pathways? Not sure where a speech fits or what requirements you need to complete your Level? Well now you can join the District 65 Pathways Q&A WhatsApp Group – just scan the QR code below to join:

Save the Date!

The 2026 District 65 Annual Conference will take place May 1–2, 2026, at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, located at 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst, NY 14221. This year’s theme, “ONE VISION: STRONGER TOGETHER,” celebrates unity, collaboration, and our shared commitment to growth and excellence. Join us for an inspiring weekend of learning, connection, and leadership! More information will be forthcoming.

Click HERE to purchase your ticket!

Events and Workshops

Mentor Monday

• On the third Monday of every month, any District 65 member has the opportunity to drop in and meet the District Director to ask her anything about Toastmasters. On November 17^th, Mentor Monday will be focused on the Pathways enhancements. Register here to ask our District Director, Gillian Sheldon DTM anything about the new enhancements.
• Monday 17 November 6-7 pm
• Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtdu-srjojGt0Adu64au85ki_PIysqqpZJ

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

• Saturday 22 November 9 am- 4 pm
• Location: Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester - Lake Auditorium in Merlin G. Smith Hall
• Cost: $15
• Registration: https://shorturl.at/dG8Qp

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

Anniversaries & Achievements

Club Anniversaries

Speakeasy Club - 1978

Daybreakers Club - 1985

Roman Orators Toastmasters Club - 2004

Toastchex - 2009

Live Learn Lead Toastmasters - 2017

Educational Achievements

October 2025

Congratulations on your Pathways Education Achievements!

Level 1

Jerrica C. Wrate

Jo Anne Seccurra, DTM

Joseph F. Sefranek

Ronald C. Rostan

Level 2

Angela M. D’Amico, DTM

Brian Burnim

David F. Carter

David Michael Childress

Deborah A. Hunt, DTM

Donna M. Sokolowski, DTM

Jaclyn Blum

Jennifer L. Duplantie

Oluwaseun O Bello

Troy B. Shaver

Will Surdyka

Level 3

Angela M. D’Amico, DTM

Anibal A. Abdella

Betsy Crumity

Clifford Milligan, DTM

John S. O’Hare

Sandy Wyser

Level 4

Angela M. D’Amico, DTM

Anthony J. Alleca

Camille Dillard

Kelvin Ringold, DTM

Patricia Costello, DTM

Roberta Benedict

Yongle Zhang

Level 5

Danielle I. Rupert

Jeannette S. Kreher Heberling, DTM

Kevin O’Connor

Suzanne F. Brisk

Therese A. Corrigan‑Bastuk

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.