Pamela Johnson, DTM2
District 83 Director, 2025-2026

As we enter the second half of the Toastmasters year, it’s a great time to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, celebrate our milestones, and look ahead to the exciting opportunities that await.

Lessons Learned & Personal Growth

Toastmasters provides a safe and supportive space for personal development. Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a courageous act that fosters growth, strengthens relationships, and builds community. When we seek support, we open ourselves to new perspectives, skills, and insights that might otherwise remain out of reach. Let’s continue to encourage a culture where vulnerability is met with respect and empowerment.

Celebrate Milestones

Every achievement—big or small—deserves recognition. Whether it’s completing a Pathways project, delivering a speech, or stepping into a leadership role, take a moment to celebrate your progress. Share your success with a friend, treat yourself, or simply reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrating milestones reinforces positive habits and boosts morale, helping us stay motivated for the journey ahead.

Looking Ahead to Contest Season

District 83’s contest season is just around the corner! This is a time to showcase your growth, challenge yourself, and support your fellow Toastmasters. Whether you compete, volunteer, or cheer from the audience, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s “show up and show out” as a united district, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and camaraderie.

Challenges & Opportunities

The coming months will be busy—with holidays, club officer training, Area Director visits, and contests. It’s a season that calls for presence, responsiveness, and extra support. Trust in your ability to rise to the occasion. Together, we’ll navigate this dynamic period with resilience and purpose.

Let’s continue to Level Up District 83—with Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence!

In 1965, I was an 11-year-old living in Missouri. Today, I’m honored to be a member of the Somerville Toastmasters Club in New Jersey, celebrating its 60th Anniversary. As I looked around the room, I noticed that most of our members and guests were younger than 60—and it struck me: isn’t it astonishing to be part of a Club that has thrived for six decades? Wow!

Happy Anniversary to Somerville Toastmasters!

Our celebration featured four heartfelt speeches:

Perry Han, one of our members, shared how Toastmasters helped him break the habit of scrolling on his phone during jury duty by giving him the confidence to start conversations with strangers. He now feels more comfortable speaking with others.

Catherine Ruiterman, DTM, recounted her first speech contest experience, joking that she didn’t die—even though public speaking is famously feared more than death! She went on to place 2nd at the District level and continues to compete with enthusiasm.

Pamela Johnson, DTM, our District 83 Director, praised our Club’s accomplishments: being Distinguished since 2009, nurturing leaders who step up in the District, and fostering a welcoming environment for all who visit.

Howard Beroff, a former member, reflected on his time in the Club with his late wife, Arlene. They were active in both Somerville and Hillsborough Toastmasters, and Arlene especially loved participating in speech contests.

We also enjoyed a lively round of Table Topics, skillfully led by member Stephen Vedder, with prompts centered on events from around 1965. The questions sparked enthusiastic participation and nostalgic reflections. We wrapped up the evening a bit early, allowing time to mingle with our guests, share stories, and savor some celebratory cake.

Thank you to everyone for sharing in our celebration. Here’s to the next 60 years of growth, connection, and confident communication!

Janice L. Buffalow, DTM, PDD

Somerville Toastmasters

Pete Lauria

A Toastmaster since February 2017, Pete is a member of Talk of Monmouth, an advanced club. As he continues on his journey to his Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) achievement, like a fine diamond, there are many facets to his story. Let’s explore some of his notable activities.

Past Area 52 Director: 2024-25

Youth Leadership Program (YLP) Coordinator:

For youth in the Scouting program and the local community in Oakhurst, New Jersey, Pete provides tailored programs for older students to polish their public speaking skills to preparethem for college interviews and the job market.

Club Mentor—Howmet Dover Casting:

Chartered in May 2025, Pete shares guidance, support, and models best practices to help the club along its journey to Distinguished or above in its inaugural year by June 30, 2026. He works with another mentor, Daniel Hernandez, to achieve success.

DTM project:

Recruited, developed, and led a team of rookie riders on a 150-mile bike ride to raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis.

Business Development:

Launched a professional speaking business, Peter Lauria Speaker | Coach, and is a Partner in The Weiwood Group, a business consulting firm.

Advice for others on their journey to DTM:

“Follow Pathways because it gives you all the elements of a good speech to convey your ideas to others,” shared Pete.

He is a fantastic example of the awesomeness of District 83 Toastmasters.

To learn more about Pete and his coaching and consulting businesses, please visit http://www.peterlauria.com or https://weiwoodgroup.com/ today.

Dear Ms. Johnson: On behalf of Sewa International (North Jersey Chapter), I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your incredible support and dedication to empowering our students through your partnership.

South Street Toastmasters Club #5848 sponsored a Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program from September 12th to October 24th 2025 for eleven high school students. The coordinators of this program were South Street Toastmaster member Mrs. Mary-Jo Solomon, Mrs. Revati Narwankar of UGA Griffin Toastmasters and Mrs. Lakshmi Bhoopalam of Morris Toastmasters.

Mr. Somesh Chablani, DTM, Youth Leadership Program Chair for District 83, gave an inspirational and motivational speech at the first meeting of the YLP. During the seven sessions the students gave their Ice Breaker Speeches. They also evaluated each other’s speeches. The students responded to Table Topics questions. They were taught public speaking skills along with listening skills. Twice the students elected officers who served in the positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Sergeant at Arms.

Also, Mrs. Susan Mennella, DTM, and Siva Jonnada, DTM, of South Street Toastmasters and Uday Bhoopalam of Parsippany Toastmasters gave valuable public speaking and leadership advice and served as the General Evaluator for a meeting.

It was truly meaningful to see how engaged the students were at their final meeting of the “Spark Speakers” Youth Leadership Program sponsored by South Street Toastmasters. The students have shared how much they have grown in their speaking and their leadership as a result of this valuable experience. Whether it was writing and then practicing their speeches, receiving constructive feedback giving impromptu responses or learning to connect with an audience, every aspect of your program helped foster personal growth and self-expression.

Sincerely,

Chandhra Mulinti Chapter Co-Ordinator, Sewa International (North Jersey Chapter)

Congratulations South Street Toastmasters for earning the Friendly Neighbor Ribbon Award by visiting Conquerors Club with 3 club members — a wonderful way to gain new insights, exchange ideas, and grow as communicators and leaders.