Awards!

Hello Everyone - We held our final meeting of the 2009/2010 Toastmasters year on June 17th and what a meeting it was!  Lorraine Van Wagner chaired and Lesley Webb assumed the role of Toastmaster for the first time.  She introduced five, count 'em, five speeches including a roast of our founding president Eric Solowka by Carol Dowell.  Eric always thought he was a fun guy but Carol turned him into a "fungi".  Each letter of that word represents one of Eric's very unique traits that has made him such an outstanding Toastmaster.  The "n" in fungi speaks to the fact that Eric simply can't say "no" to a request for assistance.

Dan O'Reilly told the inspiring story of his great great grandfather's journey in life upon his arrival in Canada.  We tend to look up to the heroes of the history books but Dan reminded us that ordinary people can also be nation builders and a source of true inspiration. 

Minnie Grewal, in an after dinner speech, spoke about the growth of our club, Bolton Banter.  She noted that organizations develop when there is a clear need.  Dr. Ralph Smedley identified the need for an organization that would help people develop skills and confidence in public speaking and that, in a nutshell, is how Toastmasters International was born. 

Catherine Keyes spoke about what we all have noticed, the phenomenon of the self help movement.  The world is inundated with stories and articles about the power of positive thinking but has that trend made people happier?  Certainly some people are making a lot of money by writing self help books.  Catherine suggested that cultivating a greater awareness of yourself is more effective than spending money on books about positive thinking. 

Eric Solowka rounded out the evening by offering a speech entitled "Happy Presently".  He posed the question, "when are you happy?"  Happy people are aware of their goals and their purpose.  Pay attention to what you think is important. 

Outgoing President Carol Dowell thanked the retiring executive and presented each with a parting gift.  But the fun was just beginning.  A number of people received honours this evening.  Dan O'Reilly, Catherine Keyes and Eric Solowka received their Competent Communicator designations.  Shailesh (Bondy) Nair was presented with the Competent Leader pin.  Carol Dowell earned her Advanced Communicator Bronze and Lorraine Van Wagner the Advanced Communicator Gold.  But that's not all folks.  Carol also presented the annual awards that have become a tradition at Bolton Banter.  The "Extra Mile" award, given to the Toastmaster who gave that little bit extra to the club, was awared to Laurie Stapleton.  Catherine Keyes was the recipient of the "Skinny Branches" award, given to the member who stretches beyond his or her comfort zone.  Carol Dowell, our club's hard working and dedicated President this past year was named Toastmaster of the Year.   Congratulations to everyone for reaching your goals.  Everyone worked hard and we look forward to more great speeches and achievements in the next Toastmaster year, which begins on July 1, 2010. 

The evening ended with Elena Nistor's parting incite and yet more awards. For this evening, Eric Solowka was voted best speaker and Ben Allison best evaluator.

The next meeting of Bolton Banter would normally be Thursday, July 1st, which is Canada Day. Consequently there will be no meeting.  Therefore, we will meet again on July 15th to begin a new and exciting Toastmasters year. Cheers and regards -

Lorraine Van Wagner - Toastmaster and President elect