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District 31,
originally renowned for being
the first Toastmasters
International District organized
in New England, continues to
maintain its prominent position
within the Toastmasters
organization.
Throughout the years, District
31 has garnered several
Distinguished District Awards
and Presidential Citations,
boasted about having first and
second place Winners in the
World Championship of Public
Speaking Contest, experienced
explosive growth, and has
sustained loyal members, such as
our 2003-2004 District 31
Governor, Charles V. Keane, DTM
-- a member since 1953.
History – Over Fifty
Years of Survival, Achievement,
and Success. In the
1950’s, Toastmasters
International organized many
clubs into districts. District
31 became a recognized District
in 1950-51, led by its first
District Governor, Leonard Fish.
Remarkably, seven clubs have
survived from the original group
of clubs that existed in New
England in 1950-51. Only two of
the seven, the Quincy Club 675,
and the Quannapowitt Club 849,
still remain in District 31.
Both clubs currently meet in
Quincy.
Reorganization and the
Establishment of two Additional
Districts. By 1955,
District 31 faced reorganization
and reduction in size with the
recognition of District 45,
which included New Hampshire,
Vermont, and Maine and the
establishment of a Provisional
District in July by the
Toastmasters Board of Directors.
Ten District 31 clubs from
Connecticut consisting of 260
members were moved to the
Provisional District, which
quickly became recognized with
full status as District 53 in
1956.
Clubs Moved to
Connecticut. The ten
clubs that were moved to
District 53 included the
Connecticut Yankee Toastmasters
Club 536 and the Nutmeg
Toastmasters Club 764, from New
Haven; the Danbury Toastmasters
Club 803, located in Danbury;
the Lock City Toastmasters Club
865 from Stamford; the Charter
Oaks Toastmasters Club 931 from
Hartford; The Park City
Toastmasters Club 1065 located
in Bridgeport; The Hardware City
Toastmasters Club 1461 located
in New Britain; The Brass City
Toastmasters Club 1628 from
Waterbury; the Chew and Chat
Toastmasters Club 1638 from
Manchester; and the New London
Toastmasters Club 1782 from New
London.
A New District Area is
Born - from Eastern
Massachusetts to Rhode Island.
In 1967, District 31
attained its present area, which
includes eastern Massachusetts,
Worcester County east, and the
State of Rhode Island. At that
time, District 53 was also
expanded to include the entire
state of Connecticut and
Massachusetts west of Worcester
County.
The District’s Oldest
Surviving Clubs from the Early
Days. Eight clubs from
Massachusetts and Rhode Island
have survived from the
1940–1960’s era.
-
Quincy, 675, -- January,
1949
-
Quannapowitt, 849, -- May
1950
-
Researchers, 2201, --
September 1956
-
Central, 2277, -- December
1956
-
Providence, 1330, --June
1962
-
Ocean State, 854, -- October
1963
-
Mitre/ESC 2779, -- March
1965
-
Northshore, 3908 -- March
1966
NOTE: An interesting and
surprising historical note is
that in the 1950’s, it was the
practice to alternate the
District Governor’s office
between the two states. One year
the District Governor was
elected from Massachusetts and
the next from Rhode Island.
From Basic Manuals to
DTM’s - Educational Program
Changes. As the
Toastmasters International
Educational programs expanded,
District 31 members progressed
with the significant changes.
Through the 1950’s and early
1960’s, only two types of
manuals were available: The
Basic Training Manual, and
Beyond the Basic Training
Manual.
During this period, a member
would receive a Certificate of
Merit for completing the Basic
Training Manual, and a
Certificate of Achievement upon
completion of Beyond the Basic
Training Manual.
New Awards Emerge from
Toastmasters International.
The 1960’s were
characterized by the
introduction of several new
awards by Toastmasters
International. The first Able
Toastmaster (ATM) Award was
issued in 1964 and the first
Competent Toastmaster (CTM)
award for completing the Basic
Manual was issued in 1968. The
Communication and Leadership
Manual was introduced in August
1969.
In 1970, Toastmasters
International issued the first
Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
award, the highest award for
members displaying outstanding
enthusiasm, participation, and
leadership. Many District 31
members have received the DTM
Award.
Toastmasters International made
two changes to the educational
program in the 1980’s. In 1984,
the Communication and Leadership
program Manual was revised
requiring 10 speeches in order
for a member to receive a CTM
Award, rather than the previous
15- speech requirement. Also in
1984, the Able Toastmaster
Bronze and Able Toastmaster
Silver Awards were introduced.
The 1990’s saw additional
changes in the educational
program. The most important
change was the establishment of
the two-track educational system
introduced in 1997. After
completing the basic manual and
earning a Competent Toastmasters
Award, members could now pursue
a track focused on communication
skills or emphasizing leadership
skills - or both.
World Championship of
Public Speaking Contestants.
Since the 1950’s, six
Toastmasters have represented
District 31 in the prestigious
International Speech Contest
entitled: The World Championship
of Public Speaking. Nine of the
world’s best speakers compete in
the esteemed contest.
A World Winner for
District 31. Darren La Croix,
the pride of District 31, became
the World Champion of Public
Speaking in 2001 at the
Toastmasters International
Speech Contest held in Anaheim,
California. He wowed the
audience with a dynamic speech
entitled “Ouch.” Darren is the
first and only International
first place world winner from
District 31. He was a member of
the Bose Speakers Club 8879.
Darren’s first place win has
energized and motivated District
31 Toastmasters to reach for the
highest award.
In 2003, another remarkable and
talented District 31 Toastmaster
achieved historic prominence.
David Sanfacon
placed second in the world at
the 2003 World Championship of
Public Speaking Contest in
Atlanta, Georgia. David holds
the distinction of being the
first and only International
second place world winner from
District 31.
International Speech
Contestants. In the late 50’s,
George Bissel,
from the old Newton Club
represented the District. More
than 20 years later in 1980,
Dan Blake from
the Attleboro Club, now named
Achievers Club 1625, represented
District 31 in the world contest
held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
District 31 had no International
contestants for the next 18
years.
In 1998, Dacia Jones
Nickerson, DTM, from
the Providence Toastmasters Club
1330 represented the District as
one of the nine best speakers in
the world at the International
World Championship of Public
Speaking Contest in Palm Desert,
California. That seemed to spark
the recent trend in the contest
scene for District 31. Since
1998, District 31 has dominated
the Regional contest.
Remarkably, five of the last
eight Region VII winners have
been from District 31.
Terry Schutt, DTM
joined the select group by
emerging as the Region VII
winner in 2002 and competing as
one of the nine best world
speakers in the World
Championship of Public Speaking
in San Antonio, Texas.
District Growth – Women
Added to Membership.
The 1970’s saw many welcomed
changes. The most significant
event was when Toastmasters
International opened its
membership to women in 1973.
Although women were not
officially allowed to join
Toastmaster clubs prior to this
time, some women circumvented
the rule by cleverly putting
their initials on the
application form instead of
their first name. Many women
even served as officers.
Distinguished District
Program Initiated. In
1973-1974, Toastmasters
International instituted the
Distinguished District Program
to recognize a district for
being distinguished by
accomplishing required growth
and educational goals. In 1974,
there were 39 clubs with a total
of 650 members in District 31.
By 1979, the District membership
swelled to 926 members in 51
clubs.
District 31 Grows and
Grows. The growth
continued through the 1980’s.
Membership grew from 1,018
members in 53 clubs in 1980 to
2,076 members in 97 clubs in
1989. As membership increased,
the District was faced with
increasing the number of
divisions. In 1980, District 31
was organized into four
divisions - North, South,
Central, and West and subdivided
into 12 areas. This growth
eventually led to the expansion
of the current format of six
divisions (A-F) by July 1983. By
1999, these divisions included
30 areas.
Nine years after Toastmasters
International admitted women as
members, District 31 elected the
first woman District Governor.
Bettye Lewis-Underhill, DTM, was
elected in 1982-1983 and set the
precedent for other women to
follow in future years.
Institutional Club
Program. Since 1975,
District 31 has maintained an
active Toastmaster institutional
club program in Massachusetts
Correctional facilities through
donations from corporations and
individual Toastmasters. Through
the support of individual
Toastmasters, this program has
helped many to gain the
confidence and self-esteem
needed to lead a more successful
life upon release. Institutional
club members have earned every
educational award, including the
Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
award. The District currently
has four institutional clubs.
Paul D. Stackpole, DTM
Club. District 31 was
proud to have Paul D Stackpole,
DTM, as its 1987-1988 District
Governor. Sadly and
unfortunately, Paul died in
April 1988 while serving in
office as District Governor. In
honor of Paul’s service not only
to Toastmasters, but also in
recognition to the memory of a
man who had a love for all
people, particularly for those
in need, the Paul D. Stackpole,
DTM, Club 7034 chartered in June
1988. The Paul D. Stackpole
Service Club (as it is now
known) provides assistance to
Toastmasters and the District.
The club is a tribute to an
unforgettable, compassionate
leader.
Our Outstanding District
Leaders Through the Years.
Outstanding,
enthusiastic, dedicated
Toastmasters have led District
31 to its exceptional dynamic
status through the years. Ted
Wilga, Lew Mutty, Howard
Rivenson, Dick Skinner, Ted
Verdone, and Charlie Keane are
considered District 31
treasures. Their commitment to
District 31 is legend. There is
a consensus in District 31, that
these six District leaders are
the major contributors to the
District’s accomplishments.
In addition to their
contributions to District 31,
Howard Rivenson, (1992), Carmen
Lowe (1995), Dick Skinner,
(1996), Ted Verdone, (1993), and
Charlie Keane, (1990) received
the Toastmasters Presidential
Citations for their dedication
and service to others. Both Ted
Wilga and Lew Mutty led the
district to Presidential
Distinguished honors, the
highest recognition for
districts. Under the leadership
of Howard Rivenson, Dick
Skinner, and Ted Verdone, the
District reached Distinguished
District status.
Ted Wilga, DTM,
was the 1976-1977 District
Governor and served on the
Toastmasters Board of Directors
as an International Director in
1978-1980. Ted is recognized for
his exceptional ability to
organize and motivate people.
During his term of office, the
District attained Presidential
Distinguished honors. For many
years, Ted would lead the
rousing installation of
Distinguished Toastmasters at
District events.
Lew Mutty, DTM,
was the 1978-1979 District
Governor who led the District to
achieve Presidential
Distinguished honors. He served
as International Director in
1982-1984. Lew was renowned for
his ability to form numerous new
clubs and for his exemplary
Toastmaster persona. He also
chartered several clubs
throughout the Raytheon
Corporation locations.
Outstanding District
Leaders
Howard Rivenson, DTM,
has the distinction of serving
as District Governor twice. In
1977-78 he succeeded District
Governor John Rooney who moved
out of state. In 1979-1980,
Howard served as District
Governor for the second time.
Howard was elected Toastmasters
International Director in
1985-1987. Utilizing his superb
leadership and organizational
skills, Howard continues to
provide valuable guidance in all
aspects of District affairs. He
expanded and enhanced procedures
for training contest judges.
Dick Skinner, DTM,
was the District Governor in
1985-1986 and International
Director in 1990-1992.
Demonstrating indefatigable
energy, he vigorously assisted
in the formation of numerous
clubs. In addition, he
personally nurtured many
Toastmasters to success. Dick
was awarded the Distinguished
Toastmaster award twice.
Ted Verdone, DTM,
District Governor, 1989-1990,
astonishingly was involved in
the formation of over 40 clubs
in his years as a Toastmaster.
Because of his remarkable total
dedication to Toastmasters and
his willingness to assist with
any event, Ted has been
described as a Toastmaster who
“puts his heart and soul into
Toastmasters.”
Charles V. Keane, DTM,
District Governor, 2003-2004.
With a “career” in Toastmasters
that spans over half a century,
Charlie Keane, DTM, has served
with distinction in every
district office. His passion for
Toastmasters coupled with his
unparalleled experience and
enthusiasm, will forge the way
to the District’s success in his
2003-2004 term.
From the first time that Charlie
attended a Toastmasters meeting
in October 1953 to the present,
he has been captivated by its
program and potential. He
quickly started his half-
century of active participation
and dedication to Toastmasters
by organizing and serving as the
founding President of the
Stoughton Toastmasters Club
#1556 in May 1954, shortly after
his introduction to
Toastmasters.
Some of Charlie’s contributions
to District 31 include being
elected Lt. Governor of District
31 in 1957, being appointed
General Chairman for the
International President’s visit
in 1961 and 1987, and being
elected Lt. Governor of
Education and Training in
2002-2003.
Charlie is a constant, fervent
achiever, and has earned two DTM
Awards. Charlie’s vision of
Toastmasters extends beyond
District 31. He has attended 15
International Conventions since
1984. Charlie’s impressive
professional and community
experience have enhanced his
ability to lead the District.
The District honored Charlie
with the first District 31
Lifetime Achievement Award for
his passion, participation, and
dedication to Toastmasters.
Charlie’s record of service to
District 31 remains
incomparable. He is truly
District 31’s star.
The 1990’s. The
number of Toastmaster members
and clubs increased from 2,342
members in 101 clubs in 1990 to
2,680 members in 122 clubs by
1999. During 1990-1991 when
Carole Downey, DTM, was District
Governor, the District
established a record by
chartering 18 new Toastmaster
clubs.
Dave McIlhenny, DTM,
1993-1994 District Governor,
revolutionized how Toastmaster
demonstration meetings are
conducted with his inventive
idea. In 1995, Dave introduced
the one-person demonstration
meeting for organizing new clubs
and made a significant,
permanent contribution to
Toastmasters. Dave’s design
allows one person to conduct a
Toastmasters demonstration
meeting. This replaces the past
practice of requiring a team of
4-12 Toastmasters to conduct a
demonstration meeting. The
one-person demo is not only
conducted in District 31 today,
but also in other districts
throughout Toastmasters.
Electronic Media.
As technology advanced though
the increased use of computers
and the Internet, Toastmasters
International introduced its web
page in mid 1995. District 31
responded by expanding its
methods of communication with
local club members.
You’ve Got Mail.
District 31 quickly
joined the electronic expansion
with the introduction of its
e-mail list in 1995-1996. This
was followed one year later with
the introduction of the District
31 web page. These improvements
have led to increased and timely
access to District and
International information.
A Tribute to You All.
This history does not reflect
all the countless numbers of
Toastmasters who have
contributed so generously of
their time, talents, and energy
toward making District 31 a
memorable success. To all of
you, we give thanks and
appreciation.
Vikas Jhingran in 2007 became
the World Champion of Public at
the Toastmasters International
Convention held in Phoenix,
Arizona and in 2008, Dr.
Katherine Moorison came in third
in the International Speech
Contest, help in, Calgary, AB,
Cananda. |
