D66 Toastmasters Times | Issue 7 | July 2025

Editor’s Note

Greetings Fellow Toastmasters,

Welcome to the first issue of the D66 Toastmasters Times for 2025 – 2026. As the new year starts, we are celebrating last year’s accomplishments for clubs and members, establishing training dates and planning upcoming events.

Our new trio shares messages for all members. Please contact any of them if you’d like to expand your experience and try something new as a volunteer!

The Summer Leadership Institute was held July 12th in Richmond, read on for a report.

Try a new word, get some tips for improving your speeches, meet a member and celebrate our clubs and members.

At the very end of the newsletter, there is a list of all of the roles & volunteers that support the District. We are looking forward to a successful 2025-2026 Toastmasters Year!

I hope you find this information helpful, if you have any topics you’d like included in the Sept. D66 Toastmasters Times, please let me know.

Until next time,

Kristine Vey, DTM, editor
d66news@tmdistrict66.org

Welcome 2025 – 2026!

District Director – Doretha Pair

Hello District 66,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 Toastmasters year. We have great plans for the year. Congratulations to the 27 clubs that achieved distinguished or higher last program year. Congratulations to everyone for making it through another Toastmasters year. Welcome to our newest club, Eastman Performance Films, Martinsville.

It is an honor to serve as the 2025-2026 District Director. My theme for the year is Together, we are Stronger. Truly, if we work together, we can do great things. My goal is for the District to achieve Distinguished this year. We can do it if we all do our part. Try to get the easy goals, such as turning in your club officer list on time, paying for at least eight members by the due date, and attending officer training. The goal is to have all seven officers trained.

Work the program and earn educational goals, and look for new members.

I look forward to leading you this year and reaching the goal line.

Doretha A Pair, DTM
2025-2026 District 66 Director

Program Quality Director, Marilynn Vaughan

Dear District 66 Toastmasters Family,

Welcome to a new Toastmasters year— one filled with potential, purpose, and the power of growth.

In 2025–2026, we’re not just aiming for goals—we’re growing intentionally. Because when you grow, your club grows. And when clubs grow, our entire District thrives.

With this year’s theme, “Together, we are stronger,” our program quality focus is simple yet powerful: Add value to every member. Unlock the potential in every person.

That’s why we’re building a Program Quality Team of charter strength—20 strong leaders—committed to your growth. Our mission? To deliver engaging, empowering, and fun training, meaningful resources, and transformative experiences that help you shine from the inside out.

Your personal and professional growth matters—because others see it. They’re drawn to your confidence, clarity, and presence. And you inspire them not by perfection, but by your progress—through every speech you give, every Pathways level you complete, every member you mentor, and every encouragement you share.

Toastmasters isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. A journey of courage, connection, and transformation. But growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by intention.

So here’s a starting point: What if we simply set aside 30 minutes a day for Toastmasters? A speech. A Pathways project. A purposeful conversation. It may not seem like much, but it’s a seed—and seeds grow. That intentional time can shift your mindset, fuel your progress, and spark lifelong transformation. And once you begin, you may find yourself reaching for more.

This year, let’s grow boldly, lead intentionally, and add value every step of the way.

With heart, purpose, and vision,
Dr. Marilynn Vaughan, DL5, TC4
Program Quality Director 2025-2026
“Let’s grow together—on purpose.”

Club Growth Director, Jacqueline Harrison, DTM

Kicking Off a New Toastmasters Year — With Purpose and Positivity!

Greetings, District 66!

I’m thrilled to welcome you to a brand-new Toastmasters year—full of fresh opportunities, new goals, and bold leadership. As your Club Growth Director, I can honestly say: I’ve never been more excited to serve. There’s something incredibly energizing about turning the page and beginning again—with purpose and with you.

Let me tell you a quick story.
When I first joined Toastmasters over a decade ago, my very first meeting was… well, a little awkward. The room was quiet, the energy was low, and I wasn’t quite sure what I had walked into. But then—someone stood up, smiled, and gave a Table Topics answer that had us all laughing and clapping. That moment changed everything. The connection. The encouragement. The spark. I saw the power of a single meeting to shift someone’s confidence—and I was hooked.

Now, I get to help clubs create those moments for others. And that’s a joy I don’t take lightly.
This year, I’m on a mission to build new clubs, strengthen existing ones, and empower members to grow—not just as speakers, but as leaders and community-builders. Whether you’re a brand-new VP Membership or a seasoned club coach, know this: you matter, and your leadership shapes the Toastmasters experience for everyone who walks through that door.

Be Part of the Momentum – Join the CGD Team!
I’m currently building an enthusiastic, service-minded Club Growth Team, and we need your talent and heart. Whether you love networking, coaching, organizing, or cheering others on, there’s a spot for you!

Open Roles:
Club Extension Team

Club Retention Team

Club Coach Coordinator

Club Coaches

Serving on this team is a great way to expand your leadership skills, make new connections, and help others succeed. Interested? Curious? Ready to grow?
Email me today—we’d love to have you on board.

Toastmasters Tip: Practice Evaluating with YouTube!
Want to sharpen your evaluation skills between meetings? Try this:
Watch a Toastmasters speech on YouTube—then hit pause and ask yourself:
What did the speaker do well? What would I suggest for improvement? How would I deliver that feedback using the Toastmasters evaluation method?

It’s a fun and low-pressure way to boost your listening, analysis, and feedback skills. Plus, it helps you prepare for real evaluations—so when you’re called on at a meeting, you’re ready.

Let’s make this a year of action, connection, and meaningful growth. I can’t wait to work alongside you!

Warmly,
Jacquie Harrison, DTM
Club Growth Director, District 66
ClubGrowthDirector@aol.com | (757) 651-9055

“Whatever your grade or position, if you know how and when to speak, and when to remain silent, your chances or real success are proportionately increased.”

Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, Founder of Toastmasters International (1878-1965)

Report from the Summer Leadership Institute

July 12th at Dominion Energy in Richmond

More than 130 Toastmasters gathered at Dominion Energy on July 12th, 2025 for the annual Summer Leadership Institute. This event is open to all members and includes Keynote speakers and Club Officer Training.

After a welcome from the 2025-2026 Trio where District Director Doretha Pair, DTM introduced the District theme “Together we are stronger”; the day was kicked off by Keynote Speaker Cindy Laatch, DTM who is our Region 6 Advisor. She joined us via zoom from the Orlando area.

Cindy’s talk was titled “It’s the Small things” and she illustrated with examples how focusing on the small things can lead to BIG results.

As she concluded, she offered up several book ideas and the audience shared their ideas. The compiled list will be added to the resource section of the website. A few examples are: The Oz Principle, Crucial Conversations, Quiet, The Power of a Positive Team.

We broke up into smaller groups for individual Club officer training. All clubs are encouraged to get all 7 of their officers trained twice a year.

Dana Richard, DTM, International Director, Region 7, then shared tips to preparing an effective Club Success Plan. REMINDER Club Success Plans are due to Toastmasters International no later than September 30. The District has requested it by the end of July if feasible. The online version is the easiest way to complete it.

Mike Cannon, MD strolled to the front of the room and commanded our attention when he shared “The Speakers Toolbox” as a lunch and learn. He provided MANY useful tips to help us improve our speeches. No matter how many we’ve given, we can always get better! You can find his presentation here.

The day was closed with District Director Pair formally inducting all of the new officers.

The day provided us a chance to learn, reconnect with friends from around District 66 and meet new people.

This successful event took numerous volunteers, and we attendees thank them all. Especially Marilynn Vaughn, PQD who served as the planning lead

CLUB Corner – Reminders for Clubs as we start the new Toastmasters year

If your club wasn’t able to submit the Officer List in June, you may email World Headquarters at clubofficers@toastmasters.org with your club name, number, officer roles and names of the members who are filling them. It can be changed after submission. A minimum of President, one VP and Secretary is required. After a 30 day grace period (the end of July), Club Central is unavailable without the officers names in place.

Please submit your Club Success Plan (online) in July if possible. The information provided by the clubs will be used to create the Area, Division and District Success Plans. Training for the CSP is being provided. Please see the District 66 calendar for upcoming dates & times. The link to the calendar is here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS YEAR’S Distinguished Club Program

Changes to the Distinguished Club Program are:

• A new qualifying requirement: Complete and submit your Club Success Plan by September 30

• Introduction of the prestigious Smedley level achievement for clubs that maintain at least 25 members and accomplish all 10 Distinguished Club Program goals

Word of the Day: Aspire

verb

1. direct one’s hopes or ambitions towards achieving something.

“I was talking about people who aspire to have their ideas influence the public debate.” (Oxford Languages)

Speakers Corner
Consider Your Audience by Avoiding the “Data Dump”
How important is it to consider your audience? Measured communication is crucial in every situation of your life. Considering your audience as you craft your speeches makes you a more effective and better understood speaker. Many of the Toastmasters Pathways trainings guide us to consider the audience when using humor, describing a concept, or when connecting with the audience. When we don’t want to waste information or lose our audience, we must consider our audience.

How many people will stop you and tell you they don’t understand something? In a group setting how many will tell you, you’ve lost them? It can be awkward or embarrassing to admit you’re lost depending on personality type. What happens when a person doesn’t ask what you mean? They miss that part of your speech, weakening your impact, and they finish hearing the speech with a partial opinion or negative opinion because of partial understanding.

What’s a data dump? You may have been studying or become an expert in Toastmasters because you’re very involved. Yes, it’s true you do know a lot about Toastmasters but when considering your non-Toastmaster audience, you must portion out the information in small need to know pieces of information.

A topic we all know something about is Toastmasters. Do you see how I am considering my audience? A non-Toastmaster asks you what is a DTM? How do you become a DTM? The quick answer and appropriate response would be, “DTM stands for Distinguished Toastmaster. There are many speech assignments, projects, establishing a new club, mentoring a club, and serving in various officer’s positions. The non-Toastmaster would be satisfied with an answer like this. We all know there are more details to becoming a DTM but not helpful in a conversation with a non-Toastmaster.

How an Area, Division, District or Region is structured or the specific leadership roles in the District are not important to the non-Toastmaster who is considering joining. They will not be able to sort out what part you just told them is essential to them. Instead, they could be thinking that they just want to learn how to improve their speaking. The prospective Toastmaster could be thinking this structure sounds too complex and may require too much of my time for me to get involved. Their non-Toastmasters mind is saying this Toastmasters organization sounds too time consuming. When we have “data dumped” onto an audience, they may ask questions for clarity or they may decide not to join Toastmasters at all because it sounds like too much, too complex, and far too hard to reach their goal to conquer their fear of speaking.

The particulars of becoming a DTM can be explored later, after the person has become a Toastmaster. In this example, if you overshare the details on how to become a DTM or too much information about the organization, you risk losing this non-Toastmaster by doing what could be called a “data dump”.

Toastmasters trains us to consider our audience for all sorts of scenarios. We will constantly encounter non-Toastmasters when growing our organization. Some information is better left unsaid. No matter what the topic, we will gain by considering our audience.

Mike Etchemendy, DTM

“If you think you can or if you think you can’t, either way you are right.”

Tony Robbins, author, coach, motivational speaker (b. 1960)

Meet a Member – where we introduce you to other Toastmasters throughout the District.

They were all asked: How would you describe your club’s culture? What do you do outside of Toastmasters? How has being a TM affected your personal or professional life? What advice would you give to a new member as they begin their membership?

Division A

Tanya White-Deyo, DTM (pending)

2025 – 2026 Division A Director

Blue Ridge Club
President, Dulles South (D29)
Toast of Oakton TM (D29)
All in the Family (D29)

Member for a total of 17 years

All of the clubs I belong to strive for excellence. They are very welcoming and organized with members who provide thoughtful feedback. As a whole, they all have leaders who are able to help new members be successful with their Pathways Journeys.

Outside of Toastmasters, I work as a Senior Financial Analyst with the University of Virginia, DJ/Host a Blues and Jazz Show (Mondays 8p – 10p) on internet radio station MXTR-FM, and occasionally drive for Uber. In my free time, I spend time with my son Kirk Deyo and boyfriend Pete Rogers feeding my inner foodie eating out, fixing up my new house, or watching TV. I spend time with friends at karaoke as much as possible back in Northern VA. I attend concerts of all types of music and support friends who are in bands when I can. And, I love to travel and am planning a trip to Italy later this year or next.

Toastmasters has allowed me a venue to share my life experiences which has been therapeutic. When I write a speech, it lets me look at old situations with new eyes and putting it out into the world often helps me let go and move on in a safe and supportive space. Table topics has made conversing with strangers while driving Uber natural. I am able to respond to nearly anything they talk about. It also gives me a way to work through communication issues at work and home. Being the coach of U Converse Masterfully this year which has members in the U.S. and Korea has connected me with the culture of the world since guests are from Canada, South America, Australia and other countries thanks to the hybrid format. Additionally, I had the confidence to speak on the radio show thanks to Toastmasters.

The best advice I can give to a new member is to be open. Be open to the new ideas, leadership opportunities, and people you will meet in Toastmasters. Just say “yes”!

Division B

Sandra Davis, PM4

President of Toast & Jam!

Toast & Jam!
Ballston Toastmasters
Technical Women In Toastmasters (TWT)

Member for 2.5 years (charter member of Toast & Jam!).

My clubs are warm, fun, engaging, supportive and encouraging safe spaces. You have enthusiastic supporters who step up when you need them. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and skills to help you succeed. In Toast & Jam!, we celebrate each person’s successes by shouting them out in club meetings as well as through our agency’s “Bravo” awards (instant recognition agencywide). In Ballston, your accomplishments are announced during the meetings. In TWT an email is sent out to announce achievements.

My life outside of Toastmasters remains very busy as usual. I am involved in a number civic and service organizations which greatly tax my time management skills. I recently begin working on my Doctorate Degree through Liberty University. I chose Liberty because it allows me to merge my faith into my advanced degree. Too often in Public service your faith is pushed to the side however I believe faith informs all that we do.

I am the incoming President for Richmond Chapter Delicados Inc. a civic social club. I serve as Vice President of Virginia Government Employees Association (VGEA) board working on behalf of State employees. I am the Secretary for Chickahominy River Women’s Chapter, The Society Inc, (an organization which supports youth in the Arts) which we charter in May of last year. I am member of the Women’s Committee for Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. As always, I have my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc -March marked 45 years of Sisterhood for me. Each of my organizations allow me to engage in community service and an aspect of social justice, both of which are extremely important to me.

Toastmasters has opened up a realm of leadership which I previously avoided. Through Toastmasters I have found and defined my voice. I have learned to articulate my thoughts and better communicate my ideas. I am no longer the person in the background supporting the leadership but I am in front leading and growing in confidence. I have learned to embrace my leadership style, mentor others and by doing so I have grown in confidence and stance.

Congratulations to everyone who has made the decision to join. You have chosen to invest in yourself whether as a speaker, leader or a confident person. You are part of a global organization that believes in your potential. To truly benefit from this extraordinary journey, you must be willing to show up, try new things, learn new things and support others along the way. Be patient with yourself as you progress and remember to celebrate your small wins, as they lay the foundation for your development and big accomplishment. Be willing to say yes to each opportunity whether it’s giving a speech, taking a meeting role, mentoring a newer member or taking an officer position. Each activity that stretches you out of your comfort zone is contributing to your growth. Always support your fellow members because the more you lift others and build them the more you build yourself. Lastly but most importantly have fun, enjoy the journey, make connections and laugh because growth does not have to be a serious matter.

Division D

Michelle Willke, DTM

2025 – 2026 Division D Director

Speak East Club

Member for 8 years,

Our club’s strength lies in creating a safe, supportive space where each member feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on making every meeting a purposeful and uplifting experience: one that fosters growth, confidence, and connection.

Our club culture is built on mutual respect, encouragement, and a shared commitment to personal and professional development. We celebrate all milestones big and small.

Laughter, learning, and leadership go hand in hand in our meetings. We challenge one another to step outside of our comfort zones, but never alone. Everyone at Speak Easy wants you to crush your goals! We want you to succeed! This is more than a speaking club; it’s truly a space where you are supported and encouraged.

Outside of Toastmasters, I work in environmental regulatory compliance for a local utility, making sure our sampling equipment and processes support clean, safe waterways across Virginia. I’m also a trained facilitator in Real Colors and the Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

My life is powered by stage lights, rescue dogs, and coffee! My husband, two daughters, and I are huge Broadway fans. We rush off to NYC as often as possible to see as many shows as we can while we are there. I’m also a rescue dog mom, every home needs just a little more fur. #AdoptDontShop

How has being a TM affected your personal or professional life?

Here’s the wild part, I never saw myself as a leader before Toastmasters. In the club, I have served in every role but VPM and President. I never saw myself as someone who could be elected as President, I never even tried for it, but Toastmasters has a way of showing you what you’re capable of. Being President of my club has been the most incredible and exciting experience. My fellow Speak Easy members saw me as a leader, they gave me the confidence I didn’t have, they believed in me. This support has literally shaped my professional and personal life. I’m stepping up and believing in myself in ways I never thought I would before. I’m incredibly grateful for their confidence in me.

To new members, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! We learn through experiences. Find a club that cheers you on and builds you up!

SAVE the DATES
Watch the D66 website calendar for details & Registration links

July 21 – 7:00 p.m. Club Officer Training (virtual)
7:00 p.m. Club Success Plan Workshop (virtual)
7:00 p.m. Moments of Truth Training (virtual)
July 24 – noon Club Officer Training (virtual)
July 31 – noon (see July 21 offerings)
Aug. 2 – 10:30 a.m. (see July 21 offerings)
Aug. 7 – 7:00 p.m. (see July 21 offerings)

July 31 – Online Club Success Plans Requested by the District

Aug – Sept – Smedley Award membership building contest. More information is here.

Aug 20 – 23 International Convention in Philadelphia. More information is here.

Sept. 4 – 7:00 p.m. First Thursday Connect & Refresh with the Program Quality Director

Sept 18 – Details TBD – Annual Fall District Council Meeting (virtual)

Sept 30 – LAST Day to submit Online Club Success Plan to Toastmasters International to be eligible for the Distinguished Club Program

Oct. 2 – 7:00 p.m. First Thursday Connect & Refresh with the Program Quality Director

Oct TBD – Recognition Event to Celebrate 2024-2025 in Richmond

Dec. 6 – TBD – District 66 Winter Leadership Institute (various locations)

Congratulations to the 17 Clubs who have achieved Distinguished or better in the Distinguished Club Program (as of June 30).

President’s Distinguished (9-10 Goals)
Expressions
Harrisonburg Toastmasters Club (10 Goals)
Blue Ridge (10 Goals)
Vinegar Hill Toastmasters Club
Hoos Speaking (10 Goals)
Generally Speaking Toastmasters
Innsbrook Toastmasters (10 Goals)
St. Michael Toastmasters (10 Goals)
Toast & Jam!
VCU Toastmasters (10 Goals)
Western Branch Toastmasters Club (10 Goals)
Walker Business Leaders Toastmasters Club (10 Goals)
V.O.I.C.E.S of Williamsburg Club
Speak Easy Club (10 Goals)

Select Distinguished (7-8 Goals)
Lynchburg Toastmasters Club #562
Blacksburg Club
West End Toastmasters Club
Sherwood Speakers
Richmond FedMasters Club
Speak DOT Toastmasters Club
Virginia Beach Club

Distinguished (5-6 Goals)
Danville Club
Step to Success Toastmasters
Launch Toastmasters
Richmond Club
Ready Set Speak
Peninsula Powerhouse Speakers

Will YOUR club make this list next year?

CONGRATULATIONS to members who earned a Triple Crown*

Andrew Barksdale, LD5
Carla R. Davis, PI5
Damon Slater, VC4
Daniel Hung, LD5
Dedra Moon, MS5
Doretha Pair, DTM
Doug E. Rogers, MS3
Frederica A. Ricks, DTM
Gayle Turner, Jr., PM5
Ibironke O. Lawal, TC5
Jacqueline Harrison, DTM
Jim Kennedy, DTM
John R. Jones, DL5
John Z. Meyer, PM3
Kristine Vey, DTM
Laura Blumenthal, EH4
Lemika S. Early, MS3
Linda S. Kennedy, DTM
Melissa Parks, PI5
Michelle Willke, DTM
Mike Etchemendy, DTM
Minhyuk Ko, PM5
Myra Alcorn, MS3
Nick Mastrovito, DTM
Nicole Henderson, PI5
Pamela A. Parker-White, DTM
Pamela S. Howard, EH4
Rhonda S. Neal, PI3
Robin C. Jenkins, DTM
Robin J. Honeycutt, DTM
Sandra M. Davis, PM4
Susan M. Dootson, EC3
Teresa Kristek, DL3
Trevina Jefferson, EC4
Venus Wilmer, DTM
Victoria A. Tidman, MS3
Wesley Bonafe’, EH5

*3 Education Awards in the Toastmasters Year

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP:

Immediate Past District Director Jim Kennedy ipdd@tmdistrict66.org

Administration Manager Sandra Davis admin@tmdistrict66.org

Financial Manager LaTanya Hicks finance@tmdistrict66.org

Public Relations Manager (PRM) Cassandra Sabo pr@tmdistrict66.org

Logistics Manager Linda Kennedy logistics@tmdistrict66.org

Parliamentarian Tishaun Ugworji parliamentarian@tmdistrict66.org

Data Analyst Teresa Chambers TBA

Division A Director Tanya White-Deyo diva@tmdistrict66.org

Area 11 Director Venus Wilmer, DTM area11@tmdistrict66.org

Area 12 Director Susan Mathias area12@tmdistrict66.org

Area 14 Director Rich Coleman area14@tmdistrict66.org

Area 18 Director Bei Chen area18@tmdistrict66.org

Division B Director Carla Davis divb@tmdistrict66.org

Area 21 Director Frederica Ricks area21@tmdistrict66.org

Area 22 Director Kelly Evans area22@tmdistrict66.org

Area 23 Director Michelle Evans area23@tmdistrict66.org

Area 24 Director Jessica Nowlin area24@tmdistrict66.org

Area 25 Director Ina Brown Mitchell area25@tmdistrict66.org

Area 26 Director Wes Bonafe area26@tmdistrict66.org

Area 27 Director TBA area27@tmdistrict66.org

Division D Director Michelle Willke divd@tmdistrict66.org

Assistant Division D Director Trevina Jefferson area42@tmdistrict66.org

Area 41 Director Lemika Early area41@tmdistrict66.org

Area 42 Director Trevina Jefferson area42@tmdistrict66.org

Area 43 Director Nicole Henderson area43@tmdistrict66.org

Area 44 Director Amanda Albright area44@tmdistrict66.org

Area 45 Director Anita Jennings area45@tmdistrict66.org

Area 46 Director Myra Alcorn area46@tmdistrict66.org

PQD Support Roles:

SLI/WLI Co-Deans and DTM Coordinators Kitty Boitnott, DTM

Vicky Lyle, DTM

Education and Training Co-Chair (PQD) Robin Jenkins education@tmdistrict66.org

Pathways Co-Chairs Lynne Claiborne, DTM

D66 Speech Contest Chair Charles Gates, DTM

District 66 Conference Chair TBA

Zoom Facilitators TBA

CGD Support Roles:

Club Extension Chair TBA

Club Quality Chair TBA

Club Retention Chair TBA

Club New Source Research Chair TBA

PRM Team

Webmaster Jovan Adams webmaster@tmdistrict66.org

Newsletter Editor Kristine Vey, DTM d66news@tmdistrict66.org

Social Media Tiffany Tracey

Celebration Committee Chair Jim Kennedy, DTM ipdd@tmdistrict66.org

There is a LOT going on in District 66! Stay “in the know”

Link to D66 website: https://tmdistrict66.org/

Link to D66 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tmdistrict66

Link to Region 6 FB page where you will be able to foster community within the Region and exchange events and news. This will empower everybody with the opportunity to interact and gain knowledge from other Districts in this region:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/973067051493465