RVChat - April 2008
by Lori Norris

RVChat

As I write this column in mid-March the sun is shining with the promise of spring.  I look forward to April and starting work on my garden.  Compared to many it is only a small garden, some tomatoes, herbs and peppers.  We like peppers and usually plant six or seven varieties including several varieties of hot peppers.  I have spent the end of February and most of March recovering from gallbladder surgery.   Despite my grandiose plans of everything I want to accomplish around the house, I spent most of the time sleeping and reading.  Two major topics to discuss this month:  Scholarship and LDW.

Scholarship:  Many thanks to all of you who participated in this year’s scholarship program, those who helped on the regional level and the local level alike.  Special thanks to Emily Gordon who took on the duties of Regional Scholarship Chair.  This year, for the second time, I was privileged to participate in the regional scholarship judging.  While reading and judging scholarship essays is time-consuming, it is refreshing to see the number and quality of submitted essays.  If your local group did not participate in this year’s scholarship program, it’s time to start thinking about next year’s program.  Talk to your LocSec about starting a program.  The scholarship program is run by the Mensa Education & Research Foundation  and either they, Emily Gordon or I can give you any details and/or encouragement you may need.

LDW:  Yes, it’s happening next month, May 2-4, in Warwick, Rhode Island.  Speakers are preparing, hospitality is shopping, registrar is registering.  Are you registered?  It’s not too late.  The LDW is free to Mensans (small charge for spouses/significant others).  Meals will be provided including a pizza party on Friday night sponsored by Rhode Island Mensa and Saturday dinner supplied by Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Mensa.  Breakfasts and Saturday lunch are also included.  Participants need only provide their own transportation and lodging.  To register and for hotel information please see: http://www.rhodeisland.us.mensa.org.  A detailed schedule of events is also listed on the website.  Sessions will include:  ExComm Basics; National Office Resources; Welcoming New Members; Getting People Involved; Dealing with Problem Members and other topics.  Registration will open at 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 2nd,  and the LDW will conclude at noon on Sunday, May 4th. 

The second weekend of May brings Boston Mensa’s Cape Cod Mini-RG.  This is a wonderful unstructured RG filled with good friends, good food and a scenic view of the ocean.  Spend Saturday shopping, walking the beach, sightseeing, a trip to Provincetown, etc.  There are no scheduled speakers, but if this is like the past Mini-RGs I’m sure you can find a group discussing almost any topic.  If you have never attended an RG, this is a good one to start.  Hope to see you.

Lori