The eerie time of witches, ghouls, demons, faeries, spiders, and clowns is among us. But that time is quickly coming to a close, and much scarier things await thereafter: facial hair. Once more, Dungeons & Toast challenges YOU to put down your razor (or pick up your knitting needles) and cultivate upon your face a majestic beard. As per tradition, we will raise funds for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, to support research into a disease that affects one of our beloved charter members.

I am delighted to share that this contest is open to all guild members, regardless of gender or follicular aptitude. If you wish to compete, you will have the option to sign up for one of the following categories:

• Established Beard (grown prior to 11/1)
• Fresh-Faced (started growing on 11/1)
• Artificial (painted, wig…)

Regardless of whether you choose to be a contender, all persons are able to donate a pledge, which will be multiplied by the number of contestants, to determine the total donation by individual pledging. For reference, we had seven participants last year, and we are hoping for more this year. If you were to pledge $3 and we have ten participants, your final donation would be $30.

The voting will take place at the first meeting of December (12/6), which will be Viking-themed, and the total amount donated will be announced at the second meeting of December (12/13).

Please sign up on our Dungeons & Toast Meeting and, if you’re able, please make a pledge: https://dungeonsandtoast.com/no-shave/

Our guild received formal recognition by Toastmasters International for having achieved President’s Distinguished for the 2023-204 year. This award recognizes clubs with outstanding quality with regard to educational advancement, membership growth, and officer commitment. Congratulations to all members, who were integral in helping us to — once again — achieve this significant milestone!

Below is a copy of the recognition letter from International President Morag Mathieson and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex (click to expand):

Congratulations everyone! I know our guild will continue to perform with excellence in the year to come!

Stepping into the unknown, full of wonder and excitement, is an experience we all can relate to—whether it’s starting a new job, beginning a new school year, or embarking on a personal journey. That’s the essence of the “Magic Awakened” theme. Inspired by the early adventures at Hogwarts, this theme captures the magic of fresh starts, the thrill of learning something new, and the friendships we build along the way.

At the heart of “Magic Awakened” is the idea that everyone has untapped potential—just like the young witches and wizards in the Harry Potter series. Imagine the moment when you first discover that spark within yourself, the sense of empowerment that comes with mastering a new skill, or the nervous excitement of meeting new people in unfamiliar settings. In real life, these moments can feel as magical as casting a spell.

This theme encourages us to embrace the unknown with curiosity and courage, turning each new experience into an opportunity for growth. Whether you’re learning something new, facing a challenge, or finding your place in a new environment, “Magic Awakened” reminds us that the magic within is always ready to be unleashed.

In our lives, just as in the wizarding world, we are constantly discovering new abilities, forming new bonds, and exploring uncharted paths. “Magic Awakened” celebrates those moments when we realize our true potential and begin to understand the magic we hold inside.

Step forward and awaken your magic—because your journey is just beginning.

Mastering the Art of Table Topics: A Nautical Adventure

In the vast ocean of public speaking, Table Topics stand as a lighthouse, guiding speakers through the fog of impromptu speaking. Whether you’re navigating through a business meeting or steering your way through a casual conversation, the ability to think on your feet and deliver coherent, engaging responses is a crucial skill. Toastmasters International has long recognized this, and the practice of Table Topics has become a cornerstone of their approach to developing confident communicators.

But how do you ensure your Table Topics responses are more than just surface-level chatter? How can you dive deep and deliver responses that are well-structured, action-packed, imaginative, and linguistically rich? Let’s set sail on a journey through four key elements that can transform your impromptu speaking skills: Structure, Action, Imagination, and Language. And to keep things exciting, we’ll explore these elements through the themes of Dungeons & Dragons and sailing—two worlds where quick thinking and creativity are essential for survival.