Every club has a history, and ours runs deep. Vince DiFranco is our longest-standing member, and he once served as Public Relations Manager for District 3. Over the years he has known some of the people who didn't just build Gilbert Toastmasters, but went on to lead at the highest levels of the organization.
We asked Vince to share his memories of two of them: Dee Dees and Art Nieto. He graciously agreed. Here, in his own words, is what he wrote.
Prepared by Vince DiFranco. July 22nd, 2026
Dee (Delores) Dees
I was a Toastmaster in San Antonio, Texas and moved to the Phoenix area in late 1999 where I visited many clubs looking to join one. At that time Gilbert Toastmasters met in a restaurant. Upon arriving, Dee bought me a cup of coffee and told me about the club. I was impressed and joined the club that evening. Dee taught us all the benefits welcoming a guest and converting them to members.
Dee has served as an international director, of Toastmasters, and a District Governor of District 3
There is a fun photo on the cover of a military publication which featured Dee. She looked beautiful. Perhaps DR Blair could tell you more about it. Dee has a side hustle where she helps others research and write their family history.
Art Nieto
Although Art was a member of the Gilbert Toastmasters Club, he spent a lot of time promoting District 3 and as a director for Toastmasters International.
Art served two tours in Korea and left the army as a Lieutenant Colonel; he worked for a company after leaving the military where his boss told him that he had to be a better communicator in civilian jobs. Art took that advice to heart and joined Toastmasters where he became a leader, mentor and coach in communication for the younger generation.
Art proved to be excellent at helping start new corporate clubs for District 3. He drove to Tucson to pick up a check from Intuit (Turbo Tax) a company which was starting a corporate club.
He was so happy of his accomplishment that he rushed back to Phoenix to report the news that he got caught speeding. District 3 offered to pay his fine, but he refused the offer.
Art served as International Director of Toastmasters and Governor of District 3
Art passed away in his 90's
Thank you, Vince, for keeping these stories alive. Members like Dee and Art are the reason Gilbert Toastmasters is what it is today, and we're proud to carry their legacy forward.
You can also watch Vince tell the story of our Vicki Treciak Spirit Award.