Toastmasters like to speak from the heart, and few subjects raise as many heartfelt feelings as home and country.  So on American Independence Day, so close on the heels of Canada Day, veteran Susan Chew chose “patriotism” as her Table Topics theme, and everybody let fly with their verbal fireworks.

It was a great summer turnout, with new members and a bright guest — Garrett— and long-missed old stalwarts (that’s you, Mr. Williams) contributing memorably. Cory, who is fast becoming one of those “permanent guest hosts,” like Leno before Carson retired, chaired masterfully again. Looks like it could be a career year for VanCore. New President Connie Hubbs is putting her stamp on the club. She’s working her way through her Competent Leadership Manual, and she reminded members that they too ought to be thinking about the higher reaches beyond the introductory Manual. The air’s thinner up there, but cleaner.