What’s Up Wednesday!

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY!

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

District 50 Annual Business Meeting

This year, our Annual Business meeting will have an important announcement about the District Reformation project that all regions in North America are experiencing. Our District Reformation Chair, DaWane Wanek, DTM will review the latest details and there will be an opportunity for feedback from our District Council members. If you are a District Council member (President, VP of Education, Area Director, Division Director, or Sr. 6 leader, please make sure you have registered. Members are invited to dial in to listen and watch the business meeting. To watch the meeting, you can click HERE. You will not be able to speak, but you will be able to hear what is happening with the District Business.

To learn more about the business we will cover on May 6th, visit our Annual Business Meeting page to view the following information before our meeting.

• 2024 – 2025 Meeting Agenda
• 2023 – 2024 Business Meeting Minutes
• 2024 – 2025 Mid-Year Audit
• 2025 – 2026 Alignment Proposal
• 2024 – 2025 Finance Report

Shining a Spotlight on Our Top Contest Judge Contributors

In the world of Toastmasters contests, a dedicated group of individuals ensures everything runs smoothly, from managing contests to ensuring fair play. Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our top contest judge contributors and chief judges, led by District Chief Judge Latayah Beauchamp-Andrews.

Top Contest Judge Contributors

• Jasmine McLeggan, MS3
• Kimberly Ross, DTM
• Nancy Manning, DTM
• Robert Srb, DTM

Your dedication to judging and supporting our contests is deeply appreciated!

Top Chief Judge Contributors

• Latayah Beauchamp-Andrews, IP3, SR2
• Walter Price, DTM
• David Haney, EC3, EH2
• Cle Kimble, TC5, MS5
• Michelle Woodley, DTM
• Monnica Rose, DTM

Fun Fact: 9 out of the 11 Chief Judges were also among the Top Earners for B$B! These individuals didn’t just serve as Chief Judges—they also served as Contest Judges for both Area and Division contests, going above and beyond to ensure each contest ran smoothly.

A heartfelt thank you to all of these incredible contributors for their hard work, dedication, and leadership. Your efforts have helped make this contest season a resounding success!

DISTRICT CONFERENCE

It’s Not Too Late to Join the Fun!

The Spring Conference is just around the corner, and there’s still time to get involved in all the exciting activities planned for this year! Whether you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, connect with fellow Toastmasters, or participate in the fun, there’s something for everyone. Here’s how you can get in on the action:

Register Now!

It’s not too late to register for the Spring Conference! Don’t miss out on the fantastic sessions and activities that await. Click HERE to register now!

Food Orders

If you’re planning to attend, don’t forget to place your food orders by Monday, May 5th at 5 PM CST. After that, food orders will no longer be accepted, so make sure to order soon!

Leadership Escape Room

Ready for a challenge? The Leadership Escape Room will put your problem-solving and leadership skills to the test. Can you escape the room in time? Register now to reserve your spot!

Vision Boarding

Create a visual representation of your goals and dreams at the Vision Boarding session. It’s a great way to get inspired and motivated for the year ahead.

Banner Parade

There’s still time to get your club involved in the Banner Parade! Sign up your club to participate and showcase your Toastmasters pride at the conference.

Leadership Book Exchange

Bring a book to contribute to the Leadership Book Exchange! Share your favorite leadership book and pick up some new reads from others to inspire your growth.

Vendors – Opportunity 48 hours Only!

Are you a vendor? We want you showcasing your products or services. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with attendees in a personal setting.

Don’t miss out on all the exciting opportunities at the Spring Conference. Register today and join us for an unforgettable event!

For the first time ever, we’re offering special vendor pricing for the Spring Conference:

Pay just $25 + a gift card/certificate (up to $25 value)!

— Your certificate can be for your products or something else creative!

This is a perfect chance to showcase your business to a vibrant community of leaders, communicators, and decision-makers!

Offer valid for 48 hours ONLY! To Reserve your vendor spot, email pqd@d50tm.org Let’s GROW your brand while we BLOOM in leadership and communication!

Get ready to bloom and shine! Get registered today!

Tickle the Ivories! 🎹 Piano Player Needed

Are you a pianist — or know someone who is?

We are looking for a piano player to create a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere during dinner at the Spring Conference on Saturday, May 10th! 

If you love to play and would like to be part of an inspiring event focused on leadership and communication growth, we would love to hear from you!

Please reach out to us at pqd@d50tm.org for more details!

Let’s make this event BLOOM with music!

Get ready to bloom and shine! Get registered today!

What’s in a word?

This week’s Word of the Week is verisimilitude: noun. [ver-uh-sim-uh-luh-tood]

Definition: The appearance of being true or real; the quality of seeming believable or realistic — especially in storytelling, speech, or writing. When your speech or story has verisimilitude, it draws your audience in. It helps them feel like what you’re saying is authentic — even if it’s fiction!

In a sentence: Her vivid descriptions and natural dialogue gave the story a sense of verisimilitude that kept us hanging on every word.

Challenge of the Week: Use verisimilitude in a sentence during your next speech, Table Topics response, or even in casual club conversation.

Bonus points if you use it while telling a great story! Let’s celebrate the art of storytelling this week — and don’t forget to share your favorite Toastmasters tale with a fellow member!

April Showers bring May Flowers

I’m a little late in writing this weekly newsletter, which means the rain is POURING in the DFW area!! What I love about this time of year is all of the plants getting planted, the water that nourishes everything it touches, and the lakes get fuller and ready for boating and fishing season. This year, our conference has a poignant theme of A Garden for Growth! I can’t wait to bloom with all of you on May 9th and 10th. There is still time to get registered so hop to it as soon as you are able. I hope you are all thriving with friends, family, work, and Toastmasters! Our District is the best one out there, and it’s a gift to serve you this year!!

With Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence (RISE!)

Kimberly Ross, DTM
District 50, District Director

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