Toastmasters International May 2005

District 25 Vol. IV, Issue 10

Special Interest Articles:

• Candidates Corner • Another President’s

Distinguished Club!

Individual Highlights:

LG Education 2

LG Marketing 2

Division B 3

Division D 3

Division E 3

Division F 4

Realignment 4

District Calendar 5

Spring Conference 6

Educational Achievements 10

Candidates Corner 11

Business Meeting 14

Vote Proxy 15

www.D25Toastmasters.org

In July 2004 I asked that each ofyou define what success meantto you. Where could you see yourself in one year? In twoyears? Ten? Twenty? I knowthat many of you not only definedsuccess, you have realized thosegoals and set new ones! Of the four Critical SuccessFactors set for each district,District 25 has accomplished two: ATMs and Clubs. We have yet toaccomplish CTMs and Members.As of today – May 2, 2005 – we are 12 CTMs shy of our goal. Weare but 60 members short. Ihave no doubt that these goalswill be achieved before May 31st. Every single one of you hasmade a contribution towardsthese goals. You askedyourselves where you wanted tobe, what you wanted toaccomplish and you did it!

Define Success Lee Alviar, District 25 Governor 2004-2005

Let’s not forget that you had FUN along the way. What makes me think that? It’s the smiling faces greeting me at each District function! We had over 80 in attendance at each Division Contest in April. Competition at each of these was fierce! I can only imagine how difficult it was to pick one winner out of so many talented contestants! Every single one of them could easily represent District 25 at Region and/or International without exception. It was an amazing accomplishment to have reached that level of competition with so many wonderfully gifted speakers within our district. I have no doubt that the contests to be held at District 25’s 2005 Spring Conference will be unlike any we’ve had in the past. Amazing!

Pursuit of a goal wears out very few people. Accomplishing them will give you a feeling of self-worth unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. If you have already fulfilled your goal set for this year, Congratulations! If not, there’s still time! District Leadership is looking forward to recognizing your accomplishments at the Awards Luncheon May 21st

at 2005 Spring Conference! To your continued Success with a Personal Touch!

Lee Alviar, DTMDistrict 25 Governor "Success with a PersonalTouch"

Officer Elections… No Big Deal? Jeff Johnson, PhD, PDG, DTM

The time to elect new Club andDistrict Officers is here and manymay wonder, “What’s the big deal?” How do the people weplace in those positions in anyway, shape or form impact me?As members of a club, we wantto enjoy the meeting andenhance our personal growth.Whether you joined to improveyour public speaking skills, learnto speak off the cuff or become alittle less intimidated bypresentations at work, we allwant to succeed. The club’sclimate, the number of membersin the club and the effectiveness

of the meeting are all factors inthat success. Your ClubSuccess Plan dictates howthose objectives are achieved.Your club’s elected officerscreate the Club Success Plan. At the District level; the Divisionand District leadership have alarger impact. Their actionsaffect all 130+ clubs in District25. The training every clubreceives, the contests andcompetitions held as well as theDistrict business andconferences are all areascontrolled by our elected District

leadership. Quality trainingand quality guidance directlyimpact the club and therefore every member. When the time comes for you to elect new officers, whetherfor your club or our District takethe time to understand whothey are, what their plans areand whether the have themembership’s interest at heart.It impacts me, it impacts you…it is a big deal!

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 1 of 15

In Touch April 2005 LGET: Are You Cheating Yourself? Dave Himmelstein, DTM, District 25 Lieutenant Governor Education & Training 2004-2005

New Club Numbers Continue to RISE! Earl Hill, DTM, District 25 Lt Governor of Marketing 2004-2005

For less than $5 a month, yourmembership in Toastmastersprovides YOU with extraordinarybenefits. But are you takingadvantage of your membership? Are you carefully preparingspeeches from the Communication& Leadership manual (or theAdvanced Communication &Leadership manuals) and deliveringthose speeches to the best of yourability? Speech projects are theheart of the Toastmasterseducational program and as you meet the objectives of the projectsyou are mastering the ability toexpress your ideas. Are you competing in speechcontests? A musician once said,

“Five minutes on stage is better than six months of practice”. There’s nothing like speaking underpressure! It can be scary at first. But the more you do it the easier it gets. Speaking at contests will help you develop your speaking abilities at an exponential rate! Are you serving as a club or District officer when asked? Leadership roles give you the opportunity to work within a team, to lead a team, to give and receive feedback, to learn to resolve conflicts creatively, to interact with different types of people, and to persuade other people to accept your point of view. The skills you learn in leadership can help you achieve success in all aspects of your life.

Are you attending and enjoying District Conferences? District Conferences offer valuable educational sessions, speech contestants who have progressed through 3 levels of competition, recognition of Toastmasters who have served with distinction, the chance to network with people who share similar goals, and the chance to make new friends and visit with old friends! What you can gain in one weekend can change your life… for the better! My fellow Toastmasters, don’t cheat yourself! Toastmasters provides incredible opportunities for personal growth. Please take advantage of those opportunities. You will be glad you did.

Dave Himmelstein, DTM Lt. Governor

Education & Training

D Contest April 17th. This paperwork represents Fort Worth Bilingual Toastmasters club number 20 forDistrict 25! Special thanks go to formerarea governor, Jesse Torres for hisgreat work in spearheading this effort. Will the Marketing team surpass PDGHostler’s record? Just watch and see!The best is yet to come!

This year's marketing team, led by EarlHill "The Marketing Guy" is fastapproaching the phenomenal year ofPDG David Hostler who completed hisyear as LGM with 21 clubs in 12months!! The district marketing team surprisedGovernor Alviar by giving her a gift ofnew club paperwork during the Division

Earl Hill, DTM Lt Governor Marketing ANOTHER CLUB MAKES PRESIDENTS DISTINGUISED

Helen Schenk, President, North Texas Toastmasters Club 420

I am so thrilled to tell you that the North TexasToastmasters yesterday completed ten out often goals on our Distinguished Club Plan! AlPollard, our Treasurer, completed his CTM atour noon meeting, and our VP of Educationhas already received confirmation of this from TMI. This was the last goal we needed toachieve. So not only have we completed ourDCP, but we have also added one more CTMto the District total! We celebrated like mad atour meeting! Our members feel very proud of theiraccomplishments and so they should.

Completion of our DCP goals is a Club effort, and yet wehad fun all the way. It just evolved, and nobody got hurt. Iam very proud of our Club, and it's wonderful to be able tobring this to your attention. Thank you all for your great support of the North TexasToastmasters Club.

CURRENT DISTRICT 25 PRESIDENTS DISTINGUISHED CLUBS: DynMasters – Club No. 4354

North Texas Toastmasters – Club No. 420 Afterburners – Club No. 6191

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 2 of 15

Your Club is Like a Quilt by Tony Bieniosek, ATMB/CL, Division B Governor

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 3 of 15

Division B Coat of Arms

Successful Leaders, Successful Ventures by Phyllis Renfrow, ATMB/CL - Area 41 Governor

Division D Coat of Arms

Division E Coat of Arms

You Mean This Isn’t Toastmasters? by David Watkins, DTM - Division E Governor

Winners do run in everyday circles. The kind of circles you find in Toastmaster groups. It is the winners, those who step out and speak up that show what Toastmasters can do for us all. Area 41 is not short on talent. Ordinary people with extra ordinary determination make up Toastmasters. You too can be a winner with Toastmasters. Just take a look at Area 41!

Successful woman are in noshortage in Area 41! Toastmaster Suzanne Bessner,founder of Miracle You Ministries,

has opportunities to speakregularly through her companywhich is a faith based sexual andreproductive integrity educationand consulting organization,founded in October of 2003.Based largely on twenty years ofstudy, Suzanne uses the skills sheis developing in Toastmasterswriting and speaking on topicsconcerning prenatal children, theirparents, families, and neighbors.She presents expert comment andrecommendation to legislativegroups and focuses on the topicsof fetal pain and the prenatalchild's ability to experiencesensation from very early in utero.

Two of her eighteen recommendations concerning "The Characteristics of the Unborn Child" were published in a brochure which the new law mandated be presented to every woman considering abortion in the state of Texas. Certainly, Suzanne Bessner is one lady who knows how to speak out. She is a past president of Big T and a current member of Bridge Gappers. What a tribute to Toastmasters, that we have members with such talent and passion! Thanks Suzanne!

I recently had an interestingconversation with a woman whowas inquiring about Toastmasters.She had left a voice message onmy answering machine and Ireturned her call to answer anyquestions she had. The interesting, and sad, part wasthat I was the first person she hadactually been able to talk to. Seems that she had called severalnumbers and sent several emailsand had never received a response_ until I called her. I apologized and I hope that she isstill willing to give Toastmasters achance. So what was the problem? It could be one of two things. Oneis that the contact information,

telephone number and email address, was not correct. Therefore, when she tried to call the number or send an email, it either did not go through or the recipient did not know what she was talking about and ignored the call or email. I hope that was the real reason. I hate to think that it was the other reason _ the person who got the email or phone call just did not bother to contact her. Toastmasters clubs, both closed as well as community, depend upon new members. Getting new members depends upon showing our guests that their membership will be worth the time and money. And getting guests depends upon them knowing when and where to meet or

getting enough information to believe that Toastmasters will beworth it. And if our contactinformation is incorrect, or if thecontacts do not bother to return thecall, then we will have a lot ofproblems getting guests to show upand to become members. I encourage all Presidents and Vice Presidents of Public Relations to goto the International website (www.toastmasters.org) and look up their club using the _find a club_link. Be sure that all of the contactinformation is correct. Be sure, after July 1st, when your newofficers take office, to send inupdated officer lists or go to theweb site and update the officerinformation and club informationthere.

A good friend named Jenniferwas recently telling my wife Janand me how she was looking fora new Spring quilt but feltfrustrated by not finding one withthe right color and fabric. I mustconfess that I have not been asinterested in quilts as are manyfemales. Like most men, Itypically do not give quilts morethan a passing glance when I seethem for sale, typically at a rustictourist shop. However, I do appreciate that thebest quilts tell a unique story.Each piece of cloth represents a

significant event or person that is woven together as a family narrative. Quilts remind me of the collage of statues and stained glass panels in medieval cathedrals that were once used to tell wonderful accounts of scripture and saints for people unable to read. Your current Toastmasters club is similar to a quilt. Each past and current member contributed to your club's culture and character, its strengths and weaknesses,

who were attracted to join yourclub and who weren’t. Avisitor can probably form apretty good impression of whattype of members your club hadand has. As we rush throughour busy lives, agendas, sixmonth goals and nextmeeting's schedule, let’s notforget that what you do and sayat each meeting may have animpact on your club manyyears from now. Althoughpeople won't remember exactly what you said, they will alwaysremember how you made themfeel. What are you adding toyour club's quilt?

The Realignment Committee is Proposing a New Division!

District 25's family of clubs is growing at an alarming rate.People NEED Toastmasters without a doubt. What does anew division represent? A new division affords moreleadership opportunities for the upcoming 2005-2006 Toastmaster Year. This also ensures that Area Governors are not spread too thin and detain them from serving theirmembership to the degree members would like.

What do you need to do if you are interested in serving asDivision Governor? All those wishing to run for Districtoffice, whether or not they were approved by theNominating Committee, are allowed to place campaignflyers or other information on a designated table at all Areaand Division Contests, as well as at the District Conference. You will also be able to participate in aCandidates' Forum at the District Conference if such aform is available. All nominees shall be afforded equal timeof two minutes to deliver a campaign speech during theDistrict 25 Council Meeting at the District 25 Spring Conference. Can you see yourself serving District 25Membership as their new Division F Governor?

Division Governor Qualifications

*Have served at least 6 consecutive months as a member ofthe District Council (either District Governor, Lt. Governor of Education and Training, Lt. Governor Marketing, DistrictPublic Relations Officer, District Secretary, DistrictTreasurer, Division Governor, Area Governor, clubPresident, club VP-Education)

DIVISION A DIVISION B DIVISION C DIVISION D DIVISION E DIVISION F

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 4 of 15

Page 5 of 12 District 25 Calendar 2004-2005 May 2005

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun25 26 27 28 29 30 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 1 2 3 4 5

Jun 2005Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun30 31 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

May 2005 1-31 Hold Division Council Meetings Hold Area Council Meetings

Toastmasters International

District 25 Club Officer Elections 7 District Staff Training Final One Includes District Executive Committee Meeting 8 Mother’s Day

20-21 District 25 Spring Conference – La Quinta Conference Center, Arlington, TX

20 – District Table Topics Speech Contest – 7pm 21 – District Spring Business Meeting – 3:15pm 21 – District International Speech Contest – 7pm

June 2005 1-30 Hold Division Council Meetings

Hold Area Council Meetings 19 Fathers Day

20 District Executive Meeting & Transition Meeting (Mon) 24-25 Region III Conference

– Austin, TX

30 Last day to submit Education Achievements ONLINE - Don’t wait until June 30th to reach your goals!

- Club Officer Lists due – Last Day to Submit! - AG/DG/Rookie & TM of the Year Nominations Deadline

Public Relations Officer Rebecca Harvey, DTM

COMPILED BY:

David McCallister, ATMB

EDITOR: Maureen McDonald, DTM

STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Scott Eller

Theresa Lubelski

E-MAILS: WHO GETS TO VOTE AT THE BUSINESS MEETING MAY 21

pro@d25toastmasters.orgnewsletter@d25toastmasters.org

We’re on the Web!

st? Who gets to vote on this, and when/where will the vote be held? Voting on the District 25 elected offices, as well as any other business that the District will needto vote on, will be conducted at the District Business Meeting at the District 25Spring Conference (since these terms are annual terms, voting on these will nottake place at the District Business Meeting held at the District 25 Fall Conference).This business meeting is typically held on the second day of the conference(Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 3:15 PM.) The following are voting members of theDistrict Council:

See us at: www.d25toastmasters.org

* District Governor * Immediate Past District Governor * Lt. Governor of Education and Training * Lt. Governor of Marketing * District Public Relations Officer * District Secretary * District Treasurer * Division Governors * Area Governors * Club Presidents * Club Vice-Presidents of Education

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 5 of 15

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LaQuinta Inn

Conference Center 825 North Watson Road Hwy 360 and Six Flags Drive Arlington, TX 76011

(817) 640-4142

Featuring….. Mark Brown, 1995 World

Champion of Public Speaking

Opening Keynote …..plus more

“YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON”….Mark Brown, 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking Mark Brown presents challenging thoughts on the importance of teamwork, team spirit, and staying the course; key ingredients in creating a championship season. BE YOUR BEST! Plus join Mark for a high-energy, interactive session that will challenge you to explore your own untapped potential by asking, and answering 3 vital questions: (1) What can I LEARN? (2) Where can I CHANGE? (3) How can I GROW?

Organize your Speech with Impressive Beginnings and Powerful Endings…Silvia Lesko, ATMS

Discover when and how to grab the audience’s interest immediately and give a conclusion that will leave your audience breathless.

Table Topics or Terror Topics ……………………………………..………………………………..…Ron Clark, DTM

What was your first impression witnessing Table Topics? How do they speak clearly on a moments notice? At this session you will learn various tools and techniques on how to win at Table Topics.

Speak on Short Notice ……………………………………………………………………….……….David Watkins, DTM

Being a Toastmaster has its rewards…and its dangers! Could you give a formal speech on a requested topic…without any advance preparation? Come learn a recipe for speaking on short notice.

Easy Speeches, Really ……………….……………………………………………………………………..Jon Cooley, CTM

Learn how the power of effective outlining and smooth transitions can help you ‘kick it up a notch’ when it comes to easy speaking…..Really.

Present a Positive Image of Yourself ……………………………………………………………Randy Terrell, CTM

Remember the quotation, 'A picture is worth a thousand words’? “And you are in the picture.” Learn how to develop a more powerful presence on and off the platform.

Afternoon Keynote: ENHANCING YOUR JOURNEY TO PERSONAL SUCCESS WITH TOASTMASTERS

Nancy Starr-Cassidy, DTM, Region III International Director

Many of the skills we learn in Toastmasters prepare us to be stronger participants in the workforce. Corporations need people who can communicate effectively, participate in team activities, and provide innovative solutions to problems. Many of us do not realize that participation in Toastmaster programs directly relate to the skills and experience that employers need. Discover how you can map your Toastmaster progress to your dream job!

In this session, you will discover: • the many options available for practicing communication and leadership skills • the specific skills gained through leadership positions • how to map your own Toastmaster progress plan • how to transfer those skills to your resume

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 6 of 15

FRIDAY, May 20, 2005

5:00 pm Registration

7:00 pm Friday Night Fun and District Table Topics Contest

District Governor’s Roast and Friday Night Fun 9:00 pm

SATURDAY, May 21, 2005

7:00 am Registration

7:00am - 3:00 pm Credentials Desk Opens

7:00 am Breakfast of Champions Banner Parade

Area / Division / District Reports

9:00 am Opening Keynote Address: Mark Brown, Your Championship Season (Banquet Hall)

10:00am– 10:50am Explore your own Untapped Potential, Mark Brown, 1995 Champion of Public Speaking

Organize Your Speech with Impressive Beginnings and Endings

Table Topics or Terror Topics

How to Speak on Short Notice

11:00 am – 11:50 am

Explore your own Untapped Potential, Mark Brown, 1995 Champion of Public Speaking

Easy Speeches, Really Candidates Corner

Present a Positive Image of Yourself

12:00 pm Awards Luncheon

2:00 pm

Cre

dent

ials

Des

k O

pen

Afternoon Keynote: Nancy Starr-Cassidy, DTM, Region III International Director Enhancing Your Journey to Personal Success with Toastmasters

(University Hall)

3:15 pm District Business Meeting

7:00 pm Formal Banquet and International Speech Contest

2005 Spring Conference Agenda

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 7 of 15

D25 Spring 2005 Conference - Journey to Personal Success By Peggy Holloway, DTM, Spring 2005 Conference Chair The 2005 Spring Conference Committee cordially invites you to a weekend packed with good-natured fun, dynamic workshops, exciting speech contests, and impressive recognition ceremonies. We begin our Journey on Friday Night, May 20, with the theme, “The Courage to Change, The Journey Begins”. Join us for a light dinner and listen with your friends and fellow Toastmasters as five brave Toastmasters show their courage in the District 25 Table Topics Contest. Afterwards, join us for a roast of District 25 Governor, Lee Alviar, DTM… all in good fun. The night will not end until you’ve traveled the yellow brick road to the Emerald City for an evening of enchantment, fun, games, and an opportunity to show your courage in our karaoke contest. On Saturday, we prepare for our journey with the most important meal of the day, breakfast. This is not your normal breakfast; this is “The Breakfast of Champions”. I’m sure you’ve heard that District 25 is in the running for the No. 1 District in the World. All the champions of District 25 will be at this breakfast to celebrate our accomplishments, including you, I hope. Our championship area and division governors will tell us how we got the No. 1 position and how we plan to keep it. In keeping with our theme, Breakfast of Champions, our opening keynote will be from the 1995 Champion of Public Speaking, Mark Brown. A nationally acclaimed speaker originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark will give us the key ingredients for creating a championship season. You are a champion too, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear about all the successes in District 25. Workshops The Education Sessions for this conference were selected with you in mind. Top District 25 Toastmasters will be presenting dynamic and exciting workshops, including How to Speak on Short Notice, Terror Topics or Table Topics, How to Present a Positive Image, and many, many more. Our special guest, Mark Brown, will show us how to explore our untapped potential in two high-energy workshops, and our very own Region III International Director, Nancy Starr-Cassidy, DTM will motivate and inspire us with the closing keynote, entitled, “Enhancing Your Journey to Personal Success with Toastmasters Skills." Don’t miss these exciting workshops. At the Saturday Luncheon, we will honor Toastmasters that have worked hard this year to achieve success. Seven Toastmasters will be recognized as District 25 Outstanding Club Officers and our education award recipients will be recognized for their hard-earned achievements. Our DTM Ceremony, presented with the quality, pride, pomp and circumstance of a formal graduation, will recognize those Toastmasters that have received the highest achievement in Toastmasters and leave you yearning to be on stage next year.

Going Beyond Success……The Journey Continues On Saturday evening, our journey continues with a formal banquet fit for kings and queens. I always look forward to dressing up for this very special evening of great food and wonderful entertainment. Five outstanding speakers, the best from each division, will inspire us as they compete in the District 25 International Speech Contest. Come out and support your division’s winner. There is no ending to this journey; instead it starts all over again with the installation of the 2005-2006 District officers and the announcement of the 2004-2005 District 25 International Speech Contest Champion. We want you to be a part of this exciting weekend of endless growth opportunities. Register for the full journey, which includes all meals, two great keynotes, workshops, two contests, fun and entertainment, before May 8 for only $90.00. After May 8, the price is $110. You can register online at www.d25toastmasters.org. The conference committee is looking forward to seeing you there.

Business Meeting If you are a club president or vice president of education, or will carry the proxy for your club’s vote, please note that the credential’s desk will be opened on Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Business meeting starts at 3:15 pm. Since you have to be here anyway, I encourage you to register for the full conference or take advantage of the a la carte options so you won’t miss this exciting weekend of education, fun, and entertainment.

First Timers If this is your first time making the journey to a District 25 Conference, we welcome you. The district conference is a great place to expand your horizon, meet new friends, attend dynamic workshops, and hear speeches from the best in the District. You will be among other fellow Toastmasters who are making the trip for the first time too, so you won’t be alone. Our First Timers Chair has a special treat to make you feel welcome and at ease, including a special ribbon for your name tag and an ice breaker game to help you meet members from across the district. Circle "Yes" next to "Is this your first time at a District 25 conference" on the registration form and be sure to pick up your ribbon and game card at the registration desk. We’ll be waiting for you. This may be your first conference, but it won’t be your last.

Volunteers If you would like to be a participant of this fantastic event, sign up as a volunteer. What can you do? We are always looking for Toastmasters to act as sergeant-at-arms, crowd control, greeters, and helpers with contest and other committees. If interested in learning more about the endless opportunities to participate as a conference volunteer, contact me at peggy_holloway@yahoo.com for further information.

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 8 of 15

Top 15 Reasons NOT TO MISS the 2005 District 25 Spring Conference! Division B Governor, Tony Bieniosek, ATMB/CL and Dave Himmelstein, DTM, LGM

15. Big Fun – Karaoke! - Almost as terrific as singing in the shower! Everyone is encouraged to participate; all voices are winners! Can you think of better Friday night entertainment?!! 14. Roast the District Governor on Friday night. Now's you chance to hear what people really think of Lee Alviar! 13. Door prizes all weekend 12. See friends, network, meet terrific people and make new friends! 11. Elect the District Leaders at the Business Meeting. If you are a club president or vice president of Education, this is your opportunity to decide who will serve you in 2005-2006. Let your club's voice be heard! 10. First Timers Experience – If you’ve never been to a District Conference before you are in for a treat! We go out of our way to ensure that you will feel welcome and cherished. We have special games and prizes just for you. 9. Recognition of our outstanding Club Officers during the Saturday lunch for the July – Dec 2004 term. We will also honor the District 25 newest Distinguished Toastmasters! 8. Family friendly –Child care is available. Spouses and children welcome, but no pets this time! 7. Flexible choice of sessions – You can come to the entire conference or pay only for those events your schedule permits. 6. Enhance Your Journey to Personal Success. Join International Director Nancy Starr-Cassidy on Saturday afternoon as she shows you how to best make use of your Toastmaster skills. 5. Achieve big dreams! 1995 World Champion of Public Speaking Mark Brown will inspire you as he delivers the Opening Keynote for the Conference - “YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON” – on Saturday morning. Mark prevailed over 20,000 competitors from 14 countries in winning the World Championship of Public Speaking. He knows how to turn dreams into reality against overwhelming odds! 4. Five Valuable Education Sessions that YOU asked for: "Speaking on Short Notice". "Selecting a Topic and Organizing your Speech with Impressive Beginnings and Powerful Endings". "Taking the Terror out of Table Topics". "Presenting a Positive Image of Yourself". "Easy Speeches? Really? REALLY!" PLUS… we asked Mark Brown to deliver his presentation “BE YOUR BEST!” Mark will encourage you to explore your own untapped potential by asking and answering 3 vital questions: What can I LEARN? Where can I CHANGE? How can I GROW? 3. Friday Night Live - Table Topics Contest - Watch some of our finest members from each of the 5 Divisions speak off the cuff with creativity and humor. Get some ideas to help your own table topics performance at your home club. Expect the unexpected! 2. Saturday Night Live - International Speech Contest - The finest speakers in District 25 will inspire and entertain you as they compete to be crowned the District 25 International Speech contest champion. These outstanding men and women have worked hard to perfect their craft. This is a great opportunity to learn from the best. And the #1 reason to attend the 2005 District 25 Spring Conference… 1. Invest in yourself and your future: The knowledge, the skills, and the contacts you will take away from the Conference will enable you to start a business, earn a promotion, and take you one step closer to realizing your dreams! Visit www.d25toastmasters.org to find out more or to register online! May 20-21 La Quinta in Arlington… see you there!

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 9 of 15

Toastmasters International Educational Achievements - District 25

March 1 through April 20, 2005 Congratulations to One and All!

Club Division Area Award Date Member Club Name 420 E 51 CTM 4/20/2005 Pollard, William Al North TX Club

3178 C 34 CTM 4/20/2005 Spradlin, Jeffrey Longhorn Toastmasters Club 114 E 52 CTM 4/15/2005 Hunt, Dan L. Shared Communicators Club

7514 C 31 CTM 4/15/2005 Bartels, Christopher E. Arlington Nooners Club 7514 C 31 CTM 4/15/2005 Ghio, Robin S. Arlington Nooners Club 5213 C 35 CTM 4/14/2005 Ashmore, Melissa C. Ryan Plaza Club 4987 E 54 CTM 4/13/2005 Court, George H. Southlake Club 7274 E 52 CTM 4/13/2005 Nave, Joe W. Unique Toastmasters At Vista Ridge Club 9646 A 15 ATMB 4/13/2005 Martinez, Joel Aegonizers Club 6530 C 31 CTM 4/12/2005 Kocher, Julia Curtiss Day United Communicators Club 349 A 11 ATMB 4/11/2005 Johnson, Steven J. Plus-Two Club

6102 A 14 CTM 4/4/2005 Clark, Ronald B. FAA Toastmasters Club 7502 B 23 CTM 4/4/2005 Brucker, Jeffrey Successful Speakers Club 8451 C 34 CTM 4/1/2005 Graves, Rhonda D. Radioshack Club 6332 D 43 DTM 4/1/2005 Warden, Bascom D. Grand Prairie 6567 C 34 CL 4/1/2005 Moskowitz, Al Improvisors Toastmasters 8507 E 52 CL 4/1/2005 Blann, Martha E. House Speakers Club 6332 D 43 AL 4/1/2005 Warden, Bascom D. Grand Prairie 420 E 51 CL 4/1/2005 Newman, Marty North TX Club

3365 B 21 CL 4/1/2005 Hansen, Charles D. Irving Toastmasters Club 6191 A 11 CL 4/1/2005 Richardson, Robert David Afterburners Club 4225 B 22 ATMB 3/31/2005 Ybarra, Sam H. Shining Stars Club 6191 A 11 ATMB 3/31/2005 Newhouse, Sue L. Afterburners Club 3006 B 25 CTM 3/31/2005 Felts, Aaron Wayne Oration Plus Club 6191 A 11 CTM 3/30/2005 Chapa, Becky S. Afterburners Club 2476 A 14 CTM 3/28/2005 Mayo, Ty Q. Mid-Cities Noon-Time Club 3084 C 32 CTM 3/25/2005 Bicek, Harlyn Christian Speakers Club 8451 C 34 CTM 3/25/2005 Forsythe, Donna K. Radioshack Club 6530 C 31 CTM 3/24/2005 Schneider, Harold C. United Communicators Club 7351 D 45 CTM 3/24/2005 Chapa, Sherry Fish Pond Club 7351 D 45 CTM 3/24/2005 Catchings, Tom Fish Pond Club 8474 C 33 ATMB 3/23/2005 Bertapelle, Karen First Command Club 8474 C 33 CTM 3/23/2005 Beard, Russell D. First Command Club 8451 C 34 CTM 3/22/2005 Henry, Kristi E. Radioshack Club

591399 A 13 CTM 3/21/2005 Rider, Jamey M. EFW Club 2971 C 32 CTM 3/21/2005 Brown, I. Allene Reveille Club 6040 A 12 CTM 3/19/2005 Williams, Andrea Eyeopeners Club 9646 A 15 CL 3/1/2005 Dewbre, Erin Aegonizers Club 7351 D 45 CL 3/1/2005 Childs, Jane Fish Pond Club 7351 D 45 CL 3/1/2005 Kiefer, Nancy Fish Pond Club 8451 C 34 CL 3/1/2005 Goddard, Abel A. Radioshack Club 746 E 54 ATMG 3/1/2005 Sharon, Richard A. Solana Classic Club

4225 B 22 ATMG 3/1/2005 Hill, Sandy Shining Stars Club 4225 B 22 AL 3/1/2005 Hill, Sandy Shining Stars Club 6191 A 11 CL 3/1/2005 Johnson, Jeffery William Afterburners Club 6040 A 12 CL 3/1/2005 Williams, Andrea Eyeopeners Club 6040 A 12 CL 3/1/2005 Brott, Jan Eyeopeners Club 5537 E 54 CL 3/1/2005 Watson, Rebecca S. Airport Toastmaster 3006 B 25 CL 3/1/2005 McCoy, Jamie L. Oration Plus Club 3692 E 52 CL 3/1/2005 Alvarez, Kimberly Ann Lakeside Club 3925 C 36 CL 3/1/2005 Carson, Daniel Eye Can Club 305 A 12 CL 3/1/2005 Kosak, June C. Wichita Falls Club 420 E 51 CL 3/1/2005 Schenk, Helen L. North TX Club

6040 A 12 ATMS 3/1/2005 Sefcik, Betty L. Eyeopeners Club 7274 E 52 ATMS 3/1/2005 Badger, David R. Unique Toastmasters At Vista Ridge Club 6040 A 12 ATMG 3/1/2005 Sefcik, Betty L. Eyeopeners Club 5297 E 55 ATMG 3/1/2005 Bernstein, Judith A. Golden Triangle Club 5718 A 14 ATMS 3/1/2005 Golden, De Sorrow Ira Motorola Club

676852 D 46 CTM 3/1/2005 Hutyra, Jerry Technically Speaking Club 4225 B 22 DTM 3/1/2005 Hill, Sandy Shining Stars Club

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 10 of 15

Candidate’s Corner From the District 25 Nominating Committee: The following Toastmasters have been approved by the Nominating

Committee to run for the following District offices for one-year terms beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2006. (In contested races names have been placed in alphabetical order)

District Governor: Division A Governor: Division D Governor:

David Himmelstein, DTM Barbara Morris, ATM-S/CL Ernestina Piñones ATM-B/CL

Lt. Governor of Education & Training: Division B Governor: Division E Governor: Dede Rhodes, DTM Marceta Brooks, DTM Rick Sharon, ATM-G/CL

James Tucker, ATM-B/CL Anthony Watts, ATM-B/CL Lt. Governor of Marketing:

Rebecca Harvey, DTM Division C Governor: Maurice Taitt, DTM Subhash Airy, ATM-B/CL

Any other qualified candidates who would like to run for District 25 elected office are welcome to run from the floor at the District 25 Business Meeting to be held on Saturday, May 21, 2005, at the District 25 Spring 2005 Conference. Voting on these elected offices will take place at that time.

ENDORSED CANDIDATES: David Himmelstein, DTM, Candidate for District 25 Governor

I want to serve as your District 25 Governor in 2005-2006 because I enjoy helping the members of District 25 gain the benefits of Toastmasters and because accepting the challenge of leading the District will help me grow. Four consecutive years of District Service (Area Governor, Division Governor, Lt. Gov Marketing, Lt. Governor Education & Training) have prepared me for the challenges and the pressures that lie ahead. Toastmasters is more than giving speeches. It is an attitude, a way of thinking and acting that allows YOU to Find Your Voice and Serve Your World. As your District Governor, my focus will be on helping YOU experience success and personal growth in the Toastmasters program. We will combine a long tradition of encouragement with a fresh surge of enthusiasm and make District 25 a haven where you can build your life-long legacy of excellence. For more information, visit my website – www.davidhimmelstein.com. To help you BUILD YOUR LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE please vote for David Himmelstein, DTM for District 25 Governor in 2005-2006. Thank you for your consideration.

Dede Rhodes, DTM, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Education & Training Building District 25 One Member’s GOAL at a time!

Fellow District 25 Toastmasters,

I have been an active Toastmaster since December 1995 and have grown personally as well as professionally. Leadership responsibilities include: District Secretary, Division C Governor and Area 32 Governor. In addition to these District positions, I have served in every Club Officer role numerous times as well as being a Sponsor and a Mentor. I have also had the pleasure of rebuilding club membership as an unofficial Coach. All of these opportunities have strengthened my support of the Toastmaster program which is why getting "Back to Basics" is so important.

Each experience has taught me the TRUE VALUE of EACH MEMBER and that is my focus for the LGET role next year. I want to "Build the District one Member's GOAL at a Time". I want to encourage club members as well as officers to participate in training during TLI. I want to see each member reach their personal goals which will in turn help foster strength and viability in our District. With Toastmasters, the possibilities for growth and success are endless; my Education and Training team is committed to working with everyone to ensure these goals are met. I want to provide continuous support for our current and future clubs as well as their members. Together, this will be what keeps District 25 on top. For more information, visit my website – www.dederhodes.com.

Thank you for taking the time to support the District and voting at the Business Meeting on May 21, 2005.

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 11 of 15

ENDORSED CANDIDATES: Rebecca Harvey, DTM, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Marketing

I am so excited about being a Toastmaster in District 25. As the Public Relations Officer I have had the pleasure of being a part of this successful team that is Number 1 in the world. This is why I threw my hat in the ring to become the Lieutenant Governor of Marketing for 2005-2006. As your Lt. Governor Marketing I promise to place the MEMBER FIRST. I will continue with Governor Alviar’s Success with a Personal Touch. Each member’s personal growth must be our highest priority. To ensure there is no question as to what my plan is, I have detailed it below:

We will provide marketing tools to help build membership and retain the members we have. We will remember every Toastmasters Club is different and so are their needs. We will provide dedicated assistance to each club that wants to increase its membership. We will provide a detailed Marketing plan that addresses the needs of every club. We will maximize or Area and Division leadership. We will focus not only on creating a record number of new clubs but ensure their success. The 2005 – 2006 International President Dilip Abayasekara’s theme is, “Find Your Voice, Serve Your World” the members of District 25 helped me “Find My Voice” as Lieutenant Governor of Marketing for 2005-2006 I will serve you. www.johnsonpresents/rebeccaharvey or email me at PRO@d25toastmasters.org.

Maurice Taitt, DTM, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Marketing Fellow District 25 Toastmasters, I am extremely excited about having the opportunity to serve you as your Lieutenant Governor of Marketing for 2005-2006.

When elected, you will see my commitment to excellence put into action. I am currently assembling my marketing team with equal representation from all Divisions. We will enthusiastically and innovatively market the benefits of the Toastmasters program to all. Special attention and emphasis will be given to the satisfaction and retention of our existing members, generating new members as we charter many new clubs. In this way, many current and future Toastmasters will have an established platform from which to launch themselves to even greater heights and becoming all that they were meant to be. There will be many interesting contests, designed to generate unprecedented and infectious enthusiasm and excitement in our members as they can’t wait to invite guests to club meetings. Please visit my website at www.mauricetaitt.com for more information. Thanks for your support…it’s going to be a spectacularly great marketing year for District 25.

Barbara Morris Candidate for Division A Governor

Qualifications: · Club VP of Membership · Club VP of PR · Club Sponsor · Area 15 Outstanding Officer for VP of Membership · Area 15 Outstanding Officer for VP of PR · District 25 Outstanding Officer for VP of Membership · Area 15 Governor, 2004-2005 · Chief Judge

As your Division A Governor (if elected) I will work towards success through the DCP programs and contests as I believe that utilizing these programs properly place the focus on personal growth, allowing each member the tools and ability to achieve their personal goals. If you elect me as the District 25, Division A Governor, I will work to ensure that we meet the needs of the most important role in Toastmasters - the current and future members. I will work to provide an environment that ensures other Toastmasters have the growth potential that has been graciously endowed to me. Please vote for Barbara Morris for Division A Governor at the District 25 Business Meeting, Saturday May 21, 2005. Thank you for your support!

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 12 of 15

ENDORSED CANDIDATES:

Marceta Brooks, DTM, Candidate for Division B Governor I want to be your next Division B Governor. I have achieved the highest Toastmaster levels in all that I have set out to do. As club president our club was President’s Distinguished. As Area 22 Governor, our area was President’s Distinguished, and personally; as a member I am a Distinguished Toastmaster. Because of my efforts and the efforts of my team, I have been recognized by Area 22 as Outstanding VP of Education (twice) and Outstanding President. I have also been recognized by Division B as Outstanding President and Outstanding Area Governor. I would like to opportunity to lead Division B to the level of President’s Distinguished Division. Vote for me as your next Division B Governor.

James Tucker, Candidate for Division B Governor Life is full of challenges…such as finding the balance in things. Finding the balance in all aspects of life is one thing Toastmasters has taught me. I want to give back, just as Toastmasters has given to me. I’ve been a Toastmaster for 2 ½ years and have been able to accomplish the goals I’ve set out for myself. I come from a small Area where we’ve made noticeable improvement that will bear more fruits next year. We have gained a teamwork that, in my opinion, is unmatched in our Division/District. We are truly an Area who knows how to socialize, have fun and become a team! More than that…we have proven there is Success with a Personal Touch. I’m proud to say I know all the names of every member in our Area. I truly enjoy being part of their lives. This is not just an organization, it is a family. Together we will maintain balance in Division B.

Rick Sharon, DTM for Division E Governor Why? Leaders are judged on the performance of those they serve. As Area 54 Governor, by mid April my Area had: • Chartered one new club, • Five clubs with 20-30+ members and two close to 20, • Three clubs already Select Distinguished, one Distinguished, and one needing just one new member for Select Distinguished. All are not done yet!! • Earned my recognition as Division E - Area Governor of the Year. How? We facilitated a true “community of clubs” through monthly Councils, our Area Website, and great teamwork between our clubs. To me the true joy of Toastmasters is:

Subhash Airy, Ph.D. ATMB/CL, Candidate for Division C Governor Leadership and communication skills are not inherited even with good genetic predisposition. It’s the Toastmasters that brings the best out of us. The Eye Can club under his leadership after the second year of charter, received the President’s Distinguished Club award. “….Very few and rare clubs”, as per TMI Headquarters’ Marketing Group, “..have achieved such distinctions”. Establishing a positive relationship with our senior management at Alcon and their active participation in our club events have helped Toastmasters International to be officially recognized as one of the corporate training programs for employees to improve and become better communicators. He learnt as Area Governor, a great deal of organizational skills at the district level, and worked as a team player with District 25 Leaders. Area 33 is expected to achieve 8 out of 9 goals by the end of the current Toastmasters Year 2004-2005, and may possibly achieve the 9th and the ultimate President's Distinguished Area award. As Division ‘C’ Governor, the bottom line for him is nothing but President’s Distinguished Division.

Ernestina Piñones, ATM-B/CL, CANDIDATE FOR DIVISION D GOVERNOR This is my 2nd year in District 25 and I have enjoyed positive, growing experiences. I want you to know that along with our leadership, I believe YOU, the member, are the most important part of Toastmasters. I would be honored to be able to serve and be one of your leaders. Shawn and my fellow Area Governors are excellent examples on what it takes to be a leader. It has inspired me to volunteer to be a leader and to share my drive, enthusiasm and support. I am committing to 1) To help you reach your goals, 2) To ensure you have the materials and education you need and 3) To make sure you make time to enjoy your accomplishments. You worked hard to reach your goals. Let’s both go outside the club to reap the rewards. We can also explore the next levels of Toastmasters together. Es un gran placer para servirle. It is a great pleasure to serve you.

• Helping individuals and their clubs succeed through adopting and adapting best practices. • Ensuring every member is aware of tremendous Toastmasters opportunities. • Ensuring District 25 and International hear about our awesome member achievements. These are the priorities, strategies, and focus I bring to the office of Division E Governor. Please vote for Rick Sharon, ATM-G/CL for Division E Governor at the District 25 Business Meeting, Saturday May 21, 2005.

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 13 of 15

District 25 Business Meeting May 21, 2005 – 3:15PM

La Quinta Conference Center in Arlington, TX

Call to Order Rosalie Alviar, DTM Mission of the District Richard Rhodes, TM Welcome Rosalie Alviar, DTM Introduce Parliamentarian Leonard Malley, DTM Introduce Secretary DeDe Rhodes, DTM Credentials Committee Report Linda Richardson, DTM Minutes of the Fall 2004 Conference DeDe Rhodes, DTM Audit Committee Report Harry Schneider, DTM Treasurer Report Scott McDowell, ATM-B Nominations Committee Report Bill Haas, DTM PDG Election of the 2005-2006 District Officers Rosalie Alviar, DTM D25 Alignment 2005-2006 Jackie Goff, TM Public Relations Report Rebecca Harvey, DTM Marketing Report Earl Hill, DTM Education and Training Report David Himmelstein, DTM Fall 2005 Conference Update Bill Haas, DTM PDG Select 2006 Spring Conference Host Club Rosalie Alviar, DTM Time and place of next meeting Rosalie Alviar, DTM La Quinta Conference Center, Arlington TX – November 19, 2005 Adjourn

DON’T FORGET TO SIGN IN AT CREDENTIALS DESK By 3:00 PM

Saturday – May 21, 2005

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 14 of 15

DISTRICT 25 – IN TOUCH – MAY 2005 Page 15 of 15

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If you are unable to attend you may sign and date the proxy below and give to a member who is attending. Both the President and the Vice President Education

have a vote. A separate proxy will be turned in for each person. The proxies must be turned in at the Credentials Desk Saturday, May 21 between 7 AM and

3 PM for ballots. To ensure your club is represented, it is important that this be done.

Club President

You, as Club President, may designate (in writing) any other member of your club to vote in your

place at the District 25 Business Meeting. Each club is entitled to two votes. One Toastmaster

from your club may carry both proxies – yours and the one from the Vice President Education.

District Officers entitled to one vote may cast a maximum of 3 votes. All other Toastmasters are

limited to a maximum of 2 votes.

***************************************

I authorize:

_______________________________ (insert name here)

A member in good standing of Toastmasters Club number: ______ to cast my vote at the

District 25 Business meeting in Arlington TX on May 21, 2005.

Signed by: ___________________________

Club President This proxy is for one vote only.

Club Vice President Education

You, as Club Vice President Education, may

designate (in writing) any other member of your club to vote in your place at the District 25

Business Meeting. Each club is entitled to two votes. One Toastmaster from your club may carry

both proxies –yours and the one from the Club President. District Officers entitled to one vote

may cast a maximum of 3 votes. All other Toastmasters are limited to a maximum of 2 votes.

***************************************

I authorize:

________________________________ (insert name here)

A member in good standing of Toastmasters Club number: ______ to cast my vote at the

District 25 Business meeting in Arlington TX on May 21, 2005.

Signed by: ___________________________

Club Vice President Education This proxy is for one vote only.