We at VanCore love it when new people drop by. Guests, walk-ins, friends-of-friends, lost people trying to find their gastroenterologist’s office: all are welcome.

But we feel especially privileged when a TM governor attends a meeting. This week, Area Governor Venie Dettmers came bearing news (of the up-coming Humour Speech and Table Topics Contests) and gentle encouragement (to sign up for same).

When the Area Governor drops by, you really want to be showing the club in its best light. And we did, with veterans bringing their ‘A’ game to key roles.

Loa Fridfinnson, our stalwart VP of Public Relations and Webmaster, chaired with grace.

President Connie Hubbs gave an amazing presentation on speech writing–from the Better Speakers Series.  Her techniques included humour, anecdotes, clarity, timeliness, and the injunction that THOU SHALT NOT BORE. Jonathan Buchanan, himself a past president, evaluated eloquently.

Only one prepared speech left plenty of time for Table Topics, and Victor beguiled with questions designed to reveal a bit more than we already knew about our tablemates. Ray, an Irish lad, reminisced about Guinness beer. Jonathan admitted his favourite metal is gold. Renee allowed that her season is Spring. Alison spoke about her affinity to the prayer plant.

A couple of guests gamely stepped up. Ali spoke of lions. Serena had us feeling the lovely freedom of scootering.

So impressed was Ms. Dettmers (we like to think) that she couldn’t resist wading in herself. She volunteered to evaluate Table Topics.

See y’all at next week’s Open House.