Thanksgiving

Our meeting of October 15th, chaired by Ben Allison, featured "Attitude of Gratitude" as its theme.  Appropriately, Ben chose "Thanksgiving" as the word of the meeting.  Ben spoke of the importance of giving thanks and Allan Keyes' toast mirrored that theme.  Eric Solowka, as humourist, told us what proper Scottish mothers do when you mess around with your kilt.  Don't mess around with your kilt!

Minnie Grewal, Table Topics master, passed around a tray of peanuts in the shell.  Our task was to count the number of peanuts actually found in the shell and then describe a corresponding number of blessings that grace our lives.  People were grateful for families, for their warm homes, for having plenty to eat and for the opportunity to live in this great country.  Minnie's treats didn't end with peanuts.  She also brought along some luscious Diwali goodies for all to enjoy. 

VP Education Laurie Stapleton reminded everyone of the upcoming Division M contest in Newton Robinson on October 21st.  The Talk of Alliston club is having its annual Hallowe'en bash on October 28th.  All are invited.  On October 29th, our fifth Thursday, our special meeting will be a Table Topics education.  Come out and learn some tips and tricks you can use for next year's Table Topics contest. 

On November 1, Bill Bienia, District 86 parliamentary expert, will be conducting a workshop on Parliamentary Procedures.  This workshop will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Egypt Hall, 6756 Smith Blvd. in Sutton.  Admission will be $10.00.  Reserve your spot by calling or texting (905) 251-4441 or you can e-mail treasurer@simcoeshores.ca.  This is a great opportunity to learn how to properly chair and participate in meetings, not only at Toastmasters but in other areas as well. 

We hope to see many Bolton Banter members at the District 86 fall conference, to be held November 13-15 at Blue Mountain Inn in Collingwood. 

To celebrate our third anniversary as a chartered club and to royally roast Eric Solowka, we'll have a gathering at the Glen Eagle Golf Club on November 26th from 6 to 10:30 p.m.  There will be dinner served.  Tickets for the evening will be $35 per person.  You don't want to miss the opportunity to roast Eric so come on out.  Ticket information will be forthcoming. 

Happily we heard an icebreaker tonight.  Elena Nistor, in a speech entitled, "My Life" spoke about the challenging events that helped shape her life.  She described how she moved farther and farther from her home until she eventually arrived in Canada.  Like Edith Piaf who so movingly said, "je ne regrette rien", Elena ended her presentation by saying "I have no regrets". 

Lorraine Van Wagner, speaking from an advanced manual, "Speaking to Inform", spoke about the eHealth initiative of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.  Despite the recent scandals bedevilling eHealth, it has lofty aims and hopes to change, for the better, certain aspects of the health care system. 

Eric Solowka rounded out the speeches by challenging us to look at holes in the agenda as learning opportunities.  Put your name down!  Remember his mother's words, "be better today than you were yesterday".  You can only do that by extending and stretching yourself. 

Eric was also the General Evaluator of this evening's meeting and took the opportunity to review the meeting roles. 

Eric was awarded the ribbon for best speech but promptly gave it to Elena to honour her icebreaker.  Laurie was named evaluator of the evening and Val received a ribbon for his Table Topics speech.  We ended the evening with the presentation of the ice breaker pin to Elena.  Congratulations Elena.  Thanks to all who grabbed a role at the last minute.  We look forward to seeing you all at the Table Topics special evening on October 29th.  

Cheers and regards

Lorraine Van Wagner, Webmaster