Kung Fu Panda

Hello Everyone - At our last meeting, August 21, Chair Minnie Grewal chose "Confidence" as the meeting's theme and "Believe" as the word of the evening.  Past President Eric Solowka tied these words to "Kung Fu Panda", a movie he recently saw with his daughters.  It's the story of a plumpish panda who needed a dose of confidence to achieve his dream of becoming a kung fu warrior.  Sounds absolutely delightful. 

Ben Allison of Bolton had been a guest at an earlier meeting.  We are happy to announce that he has become a member.  Welcome Ben to Bolton Banter Toastmasters.  We look forward to hearing Ben's icebreaker in the near future.

For Table Topics, Catherine Keyes had us stranded on a desert island with a fellow Toastmaster.  How do we handle this?  Build a raft?  Who does the hard work?  Do we want to be rescued at all or would we rather spend the days lazing under palm trees drinking fermented coconut milk?  We heard some tall tales.  Lorraine Van Wagner, Eric Solowka and newly minted member Ben Allison won ribbons in a three way tie. 

There were two appealing but very different speeches this evening.  Val Koncan talked about his "New Best Friend", namely a GPS.  Those of us who are directionally challenged would agree that these incredible gadgets are indeed our best friend, particularly when negotiating unfamiliar territory.  Val brought some visual props to more clearly demonstrate what a GPS can do.  He referred to it as a "marriage saver" as it certainly does minimize those front seat arguments, for example, "You should have turned right at the last lights!"

Carol is our adventurer and in "Finding Your Courage" she spoke of a hair raising experience on the water.  This is a remarkable example of real life inspiring a speech that tells a good story and also offers insight and flashes of wisdom.  It also complemented the theme and word of the evening well.

As Treasurer, I would like to remind everyone that I need your dues by October 1.  Cheques are to be made payable to Bolton Banter Toastmasters in the amount of $144.00.  Please bring your chequebooks to the next meeting or contact me to make arrangements.

The club's Humourous Speech and Table Topics Contest is set for September 18.  Entering contests is a wonderful learning experience so don't hesitate to put your name forward.  Remember also that there is no preparation required for the Table Topics Contest.  If you need more information, speak to any member of the executive.

Our next meeting is set for September 4th.  See you then.

Cheers - Lorraine Van Wagner, Treasurer and Webmaster