Passion

Hello Everyone - Our July 29th meeting was ably chaired by Eric Solowka who selected "passion" and "hot" as theme and word of the day respectively.  Eric explained that the word passion means a strong feeling or emotion.  We generally associate this word with the feelings human beings have for others but if you're a man, your passion could be the beer fridge as Eric noted.  Andrew Morgan continued this theme as Table Topics Master.  He selected quotes that reflect the words passion and hot and asked the members to speak to that quote. 

During the business part of the meeting, Immediate Past President Carol Dowell presided over the installation of the club's new officers.  They are as follows:

Immediate Past President - Carol Dowell

President - Lorraine Van Wagner

VP Education - Eric Solowka

VP Membership - Catherine Keyes

VP Public Relations - Ben Allison

Secretary - Carol Dowell

Treasurer - Vince Capicotto

Sergeant at Arms - Alan Keyes

As the new executive was formally welcomed, the club acknowledged with thanks the work of the outgoing executive. 

The Humourous Speech and Table Topics contest will be held on October 7th.  Start thinking about preparing your speeches for that occasion.  Remember that the Table Topics contest requires no prior preparation so do take the opportunity to compete. 

Tonight we heard four presentations.  Vince Capicotto, in "Mr. Camper" spoke about the simple pleasures of camping but admitted he still has much to learn about pitching tents and starting fires.  Camping out is not as simple as it seems.

Alan Keyes, in "A Young Man's First", told us the story about Pete.  Pete was a young man who became a pinsetter at a bowling alley in order to earn money.  His speech brought back memories for those of us old enough to remember the bygone days of pinsetters.

Carol Dowell, in "Toss and Turn", spoke of her experiences as a chef on board a vessel.  The gruff pirate she encountered bore no resemblance to Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean". 

Shailesh (Bondy) Nair rounded out the evening with "Goal Setting and Planning", a highly relevant topic as we all examine our own goals for a new Toastmasters year.  He reminded us of the need to be flexible or, put another way, be prepared to plan, do, check and change. 

Thanks to our returning guests, Bob and Biron, for visiting this evening and to those members who stepped in to fill roles. 

Congratulations to the ribbon winners - Shailesh Nair (best speaker), Minnie Grewal (best evaluator) and Lorraine Van Wagner (Table Topics).

See you all next week, August 5th, the first Thursday of the month.  Hope you are all enjoying the summer.

Regards - Lorraine Van Wagner, Webmaster, President