 June EditionThe Power of LEVEL UP – A District Director’s Reflection Serving as District Director this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my Toastmasters journey. Leading Toastmasters International District 83 has given me the privilege of watching our members continually LEVEL UP, in confidence, in skill, and in leadership. To our wonderful members, thank you for the fun, the laughter, and the energy you brought to every meeting and event. Whether delivering a first Ice Breaker or competing on the district stage, you chose to level up again and again. Your courage to step outside your comfort zone inspired everyone around you. The joy we shared at conferences, contests, and trainings reflected a community committed not just to improvement, but to leveling up together. I am deeply grateful to our District leaders who consistently leveled up in service. Your dedication, strategic thinking, and countless volunteer hours strengthened our foundation and expanded our impact. You modeled resilience, collaboration, and excellence. Because of your commitment, our district was able to level up in membership support, education, and leadership development. To our club officers and members, thank you for the steady, behind-the-scenes work that keeps our clubs thriving. From organizing meetings to mentoring new members, you leveled up your clubs week after week. Your consistency and heart are what make growth sustainable and meaningful. This year, I witnessed what happens when an entire district commits to leveling up, not just individually, but collectively. Together, we elevated our standards, deepened our connections, and strengthened our community. Thank you for allowing me to serve. It has been an incredible honor to LEVEL UP with each of you throughout this unforgettable year.  Accepting Nominations for The Manny Reyes Memorial Mentor AwardDistrict 83 established The Manny Reyes Memorial Mentor Award to recognize one member who exceptionally empowers, encourages, and enthusiastically supports the growth of their protégé to honor the positive influence Manny’s guidance had on many members. The Manny Reyes Memorial Mentor Award recognizes a Toastmaster who exemplifies continuous dedication and unwavering commitment to the district and its members. Named in honor of Manny Reyes, whose Toastmasters journey was defined by consistent service, leadership, and mentorship, this award Please email nominations to TMPamelaJohnson@gmail.com by July 15, 2026. For more information on eligibility, criteria, and the nomination process,  Welcoming Our Newest Club:Morgan Stanley Toastmasters Club of Central NJ  District 83 is proud to welcome its newest addition: Morgan Stanley Toastmasters Club of Central NJ! Chartering a new club is never a simple journey, and this milestone reflects months of dedication, resilience, and teamwork.
This achievement is especially meaningful because of the perseverance shown by the individuals who championed the effort. Despite challenges along the way, their unwavering commitment to building a supportive environment for communication and leadership growth ultimately led to success.
The Morgan Stanley Toastmasters Club of Central NJ now joins our vibrant community, providing members with opportunities to develop their public speaking and leadership skills in a professional and encouraging setting.
We celebrate everyone who played a role in bringing this club to life and look forward to witnessing its continued growth and impact.
Congratulations and welcome to District 83! Back to Basics: A Successful TLI Returns  District 83 marked an exciting milestone on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with a highly successful Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI), our first since the pandemic. This long-awaited return brought members together once again, reminding us of the power of in-person connection and shared learning.
The event focused on getting back to basics, equipping club officers with the knowledge and tools needed to lead effectively and support strong, thriving clubs. Beyond training, TLI offered a valuable opportunity for networking, collaboration, and rekindling the sense of community that makes Toastmasters so special.
Members connected, shared experiences, and built relationships that will carry forward into the new Toastmasters year. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the day reflected our collective commitment to growth, service, and excellence.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a success. Together, we are building stronger leaders and stronger clubs across District 83. Unlock New Opportunities with Specialty Toastmasters ClubsJoining a second Toastmasters club with a specialty offers focused growth beyond the traditional club experience. You’ll gain hands-on practice in targeted skills while connecting with members who share similar goals. It’s also a great way to expand your network and build confidence in real-world speaking scenarios.
If you’re looking to elevate your communication skills and explore new formats, a specialty club can accelerate your progress. Consider the benefits of joining one, or both of the new clubs forming in the district.
Podcasting
Professional Speaking
Together, these specialties expand your communication toolkit and open doors to new personal and professional opportunities.
For more information about these clubs chartering soon, contact: Valley Toastmasters Honors the Legacy of Maxine Kaufman Four decades after its founding, Valley Toastmasters gathered on June 15 not only to celebrate another anniversary, but to honor the woman whose love, dedication, and determination ensured the club would endure. The Annual Anniversary Dinner served as a heartfelt tribute to the late Maxine Kaufman, the beloved matriarch whose unwavering commitment helped shape Valley Toastmasters into the thriving organization it is today. Maxine's husband, Don Kaufman, was one of the four founding members of Valley Toastmasters in 1988. As a man who stuttered, Don became an accomplished public speaker and often credited Toastmasters with changing his life. Following Don's passing in 2009, the club came dangerously close to closing its doors. Determined to preserve her husband's legacy, Maxine stepped forward. Through her leadership as a club officer and her tireless work behind the scenes, she revitalized Valley Toastmasters, ensuring the club not only survived but flourished. Her dedication helped transform Valley Toastmasters into the vibrant, Select Distinguished club it is today. Throughout the evening, current, and former members shared one- to two-minute memories of Maxine. Laughter mixed with tears, warm applause, and heartfelt stories as speaker after speaker reflected on the extraordinary impact she had on their lives. Though Maxine is no longer with us, her spirit of encouragement, acceptance, and unwavering belief in others continues to live on in every meeting, every speech, and every member of Valley Toastmasters. Her legacy is reflected not only in the club's continued success, but in the confidence, friendships, and lives she touched so profoundly.
AT&T Bedminster 50th Anniversary Event On Wednesday June 10th, 2026 AT&T Bedminster Club #344 held a hybrid Event to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary since its founding in 1976. Club President Gustavo Barbosa Couto opened the Meeeting Event introducing Ed Summers, Immediate Past President, as the Toastmaster of the Day. Guest speaker and multi contest award from D83, Kevin Moulton gave an inspiring speech titled “Life Begins at 60”. Guest Teddy Mertyris served as the Table Topics Master, adding flavor to the extemporaneous topics with a visual graphic. A planned speech by M. Qutub was postponed to a later meeting due to technical difficulties. Other attendees brought the meeting total up to 19 participants, including guest Chris Ho who joined the club at the conclusion of the meeting. The meeting was the culmination of the work of the planning committee led by VP-M elect Rashi Talwar, Milu Kattakayam, Paul Ireifej, Gus, and Ed S. Other club members and officers in attendance were, Joe Bieksha, Arvind Mishra, Ivy Antonio, Dan K, Melissa Knoll, and Siva Prakasam. Additional guests were Kristian Scholte (past club president), Abraham George, Shashi, and Deb Moulton. On display in the AT&T lobby outside the meeting room was the club's nearly 7 foot retractable banner. Inside the room were beverages and light refreshments available for in-person attendees as shown in the accompanying photo. |
