Items of interest

Village bridge tournament a success

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The annual Silver Lode Sectional Bridge Tournament hosted by the Village Card Club was again successful.

“Kudos goes to the co-chairs, Ginna Domm and Martha Mc Alister. This was the first time either had chaired a bridge tournament. ACBL President Russ Jones served as our head director,” a news release said.

VCC was selected to “beta test” a new program allowing players to pay the tournament game fees by credit card. This option, run by ACBL IT Susie Cordell and Greg Coles, “was very well received by the 216 tournament players,” the release said.

“The VCC enjoyed welcoming 49 out of area attendees to experience the Village and the hospitality of our card club,” it said. For more information regarding bridge, cribbage, euchre and pinochle, and bridge classes, visit http://www.villagecardclub.org.

Toastmasters meets Saturday at NPMC

Hot Springs Toastmasters, celebrating its 30-year anniversary as a club this month, will hold its semiannual club speaking contests at its weekly club meeting on Saturday at National Park Medical Center, 1910 Malvern Ave.

The contest, which will start at 8 a.m., will include Humorous Speech and Table Topics. This is part of a contest series from the club level, on to Area on Oct. 19 and Division in November. Contest Master is Mike Blythe, with Bob Driggers as chief judge.

For any dues not yet paid for the upcoming six months, checks are payable to Hot Springs Toastmasters. Payment can be given or mailed to Treasurer Steve Hinsley, 510 Lakeside Road, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Saturday is the final meeting to make a payment in person.

Toastmasters is a supportive, inexpensive way to learn speaking and leadership skills. Training resources for speechmaking are part of Toastmaster support available to members. Toastmasters International’s materials and programs also offer leadership development. New members are offered mentoring, either assigned or a chosen match. Meeting roles rotate from one week to the next.

All former Toastmasters, as well as interested guests, are welcome. “This will be different from our regular meetings, but you’re still welcome to observe,” a news release said.

Meetings normally are one hour long. Visit https://7643.toastmastersclubs.org/ for more information.