District 207 Toastmasters

Serving parts of Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Southern Washington

Toast Talk – June 2026 (D7 via email)



FINAL ISSUE



June 2026
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Join Us – Register Here
 
 

“OF THE YEAR” Recipients – Congratulations Everyone!


Each year, the District 7 Trio recognizes members who help the District be successful, through their dedication, commitment, and hours of assistance to make the District and the Trio successful. The 2025-26 recipients are:

  • Toastmaster of the Year – Richard Young
  • District Director Citation – PJ Kleffner, DTM
  • Division Director – Donna Stark, DTM
  • Area Director – John Anderson, DTM
  • Rookie of the Year – Omar Sheikh
  • Lou Webb Award – Brenda Dennis, DTM
  • Herb Stude Award – Molly Chen
  • Dick Moser Award – Greg Hawkins

Club Growth Director Spirit Awards:

  • Karen Semprevivo, DTM
  • Dave Bones, DTM
  • Vikki Fuhrman

Program Quality Director Spirit Awards:

  • Wyatt Deremer
  • Susan Strayer-Curtis
  • Jennifer Erickson

District Director Spirit Awards:

  • Mike Long
  • Jill Ward, DTM
  • Ellen Ino, DTM
 

Dance Into Tomorrow –

A Smashing Success


This year’s conference was a resounding success. With more than 100 tickets sold, members and their families came together for a full day of exceptional presentations, engaging contests, and well-deserved awards. The event concluded with a memorable spotlight segment, where members shared personal stories and life experiences—an especially meaningful close to the final conference hosted by District 7 Toastmasters.


Matthew Douglass earned first place in both the International Speech and Table Topics contests, an impressive achievement that reflects his outstanding skill and presence. He will advance to the Quarterfinals, where his recorded performance will be evaluated by a panel of judges. A win at that level will take him to the Semifinals at the International Convention in Vancouver, BC, this August. We wish him continued success as he moves forward in the competition.



While Matthew captured top honors in both contests, the second- and third-place winners also delivered exceptional performances and proudly retain their Division Champion titles:

International Speech Contest

Table Topics Contest

2nd Place – Christopher Moore

2nd Place – Deb Clough

3rd Place – Mu-Yin “Molly” Chin

3rd Place – Brinn Hemmingson
 
 

A Very Special Thank You!


Two of the conference highlights were the District 7 Toastmasters History, researched by District Historian Harvey Showe, and the In Memoriam tribute honoring members who passed away this year. The memorial list of members from 2015–2026 and the record of clubs that closed during the same period, both compiled by Ellen Ino, DTM, are included in Harvey’s video.



The months of work behind these projects cannot be overstated, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication and care Harvey and Ellen brought to preserving our district’s history.
 

D7 Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI) – June 12 & 13, 2026


Join us Friday evening, June 12 from 6:00-8:30 PM and/or Saturday, June 13 from 8:00 AM-12:30 PM via Zoom for essential club officer training. This free training helps newly elected officers learn their roles, earn DCP credit for your club, and connect with experienced Toastmasters across the District.


Whether you’re a new officer or considering leadership, TLI provides the tools and strategies you need for club success. Don’t miss this opportunity to start the new Toastmasters year strong!


Registration will open soon.



 

A Nag Note from Your District Director!


I know, I know . . . you’ve heard it before. But. . . I wanted to give you one more poke to submit your 2026-27 officers list to Toastmasters International by June 30th. Just follow the link below and make it happen. Make it a priority. Do it now. Do it today!


Here are step-by-step instructions – any current officer can make it happen:


https://www.toastmasters.org

Then:

  1. Log in with your Toastmasters credentials.
  2. Click “Leadership Central,” then “Club Central.”
  3. Select your club under “Conduct Club Business.”
  4. Click “Club Officer Assignment” under Club Administration.
  5. Use the “Future” term tab to enter the incoming officers and click Save.
 

Practical Tips for Success

End Your Speech With Impact


The closing is the last thing your audience hears, so it should be brief, clear, and memorable. In a typical 5–7 minute speech, the conclusion should usually take about 20– 40 seconds, or roughly five to ten percent of the total speaking time.


A strong closing does three jobs. Click here to read the rest of the article.
 
 

YOUR DISTRICT, YOUR STORIES

Mike Long – Public Relations Manager


A Year of Service, Gratitude, and Growth


Having the privilege and responsibility of supporting every Toastmaster, every club, and District 7 as your Public Relations Manager has been a true honor. I am deeply grateful for the patience, encouragement, and thoughtful suggestions so many of you have shared throughout the year.



I never imagined I would need—or truly value—a mentor as much as I have this year. I thank God that our District Director, Phyllis, believed in me and didn’t let me fail. She understood my concerns—navigating new technology, managing multiple communication platforms, and striving not to let anyone down. Her steady advice, “Just ask for help and keep trying to learn,” stayed with me every step of the way.

Congratulations to Level Uppers!


A big shout-out and a virtual fist bump to the 24 members who submitted completed Pathways levels in May! Their dedication highlights their commitment to personal growth in Toastmasters and act as models of excellence for the rest of us. To see the list of these standout members, click here.