Silence is Golden

Inspired by a comment from Eric Solowka, Chair Laurie Stapleton chose as the theme for our November 5th meeting, "Learn to be comfortable with silence".  The word of the evening was "pause".  In his toast, Alan Keyes followed this theme by speaking about the value of silence, a commodity in short supply in our busy world.  Hendrik Magilsen, as humourist of the evening, continued the theme in his story of a monk in a comtemplative order whose vow of silence forced him to ensure ten years of a hard bed and no food with scant opportunities to voice his displeasure. 

President Carol Dowell described her role as a resource to the club executive so they could help members achieve their goals.  She acknowledged that Bolton Banter is still a young club developing its culture.  Her goals for this year are to increase membership and also our visibility in the community.  The club goals and our individual goals are similar to a journey, a fact Carol emphasized by posting various maps to the walls.  Incredibily, we have only 14 more meetings left in this Toastmaster year,which ends on June 30, 2010.  For three straight years, we have been named a President's Distinguished Club.  We are aiming for a fourth year but we need the help of all members for when you achieve your goals, you are helping the club earn points toward this honour.  Carol handed out a chart called "Planning your Journey" with the dates of our club meetings from November 19, 2009 to June 17, 2010.  Put your name down for roles and have the pleasure of ticking off the "completed" part of the chart. 

Carol was the Table Topics master for the evening.  Following on what we learned last week in the Table Topics workshop, Carol asked us to repeat the topic, give three points, a personal story and then repeat the topic again.  We heard mini speeches on every subject from how to build a deck to how to lose weight.  

This was a special evening as we welcomed Alan Keyes to the lectern to deliver his ice breaker, "why do I run?"  Running offers health benefits, relaxation, peace and quiet.  Alan doesn't simply run, he does marathons. 

In her speech, Catherine Keyes told the story of her great niece Brianna, who lives with what many people would call significant challenges. Catherine described her as a left brain child in a right brain world.   Catherine ended with the thought provoking question, "is she the teacher of mankind or the victim of her birth?" 

Dan O'Reilly in "Geography of Nowhere", spoke about the pity of inappropriate development. We need to preserve old architectural gems and protect them from the wrecker's ball.  

Our two newest members, Andrew Morgan and Colleen Fitzgerald both took on roles this evening.  Congratulations! 

Following the presentation of the ice breaker pin to Alan Keyes, the evening's awards were announced.  Dan O'Reilly was best speaker, Lorraine Van Wagner the best evaluator and Hendrik Magilsen the best Table Topics speaker. 

Our Christmas celebration will be combined with our regular meeting on December 17th.  Minnie Grewal has graciously offered to host.  It will be potluck so dust off your favourite recipes.  Don't forget the roast for Eric Solowka on November 26th at Glen Eagle Golf Club.  You can purchase your tickets at our November 19th meeting from Laurie or Carol.

See you November 19th.  Cheers and regards,

Lorraine Van Wagner, Webmaster