What's Cooking in Region 1 - June 2004
by Marghretta McBean
Region 1 has a Treasure Trove of Talent! The 2004 PRP (Publication Recognition Programme) Contribution Award Nominations have been announced and our nominees are: in the category of Fiction and Poetry:
- "Murder at the Chessboard", by Stanley Smith. (Beacon, newsletter of Boston Mensa, Lynn MacDonald editor. May 2003.)
- "The Joshua Twin", and "The Pond" by John McGondel. (Momentum, newsletter of New Hampshire Mensa, Claire T. Natola editor. March 2004 and November 2003, respectively.) There are five nominees in this category and two of them are John! New Hampshire air must be good for poets.
in the category of Non-Fiction (Mensa themed):
- "My First Autumn in New York", by Jeff Jones. (Mid-Mensan, newsletter of Mid-Hudson Mensa, Angela Tremain editor. October 2003.). Jeff wrote about attending his first RG, Mid-Hudson Mensa's unique camp-style RG held on the beautiful grounds of the Ashokan Reservoir.
in the category of Continuing Item:
- "Five-Minute Mini Mysteries", by Stanley Smith. (Beacon, newsletter of Boston Mensa, Lynn MacDonald editor. April 2003, May 2003, July 2003, September 2003, January 2004.) Yes, Stan is nominated in two (!!) categories. Very mysterious......
- "Mmmm…," by Victoria Monroe. (Empire, newsletter of Central New York Mensa, Paul Baxter editor. August 2003, September 2003, November 2003.) Victoria's column, sometimes hilarious, always interesting, reveals an eye for the things that often pass without comment - until she writes about them.
As your RVC, I get all of the newsletters in our region and read every one, cover to cover. They keep me fairly up to date on group happenings, politics and just the joie de vivre that is Mensa.
In other congratulatory news, 16 year-old Life Member Kathryn McNickle of Greater New York Mensa was accepted into the prestigious MIT Summer Mathematics programme. Students from around the country spend about six weeks at the MIT campus studying various fields of mathematics. Her proud grandmother, Clotilde Cepeda, is Greater New York Mensa's award winning proctor coordinator.
I had a lovely visit to Albany and Troy, meeting with the members of Mensa of Northeastern New York. Joe O'Malley, who works in the state senate, gave me an insider's tour of the beautiful Capitol building and Empire State Plaza. The gold leaf accents, intricate wood work and marble floors made me (briefly!) feel that my tax dollars were well spent. After crossing the Hudson to neighbouring Troy (the "Shirt Collar Capital of the World"), about dozen and a half MoNNYers met for dinner at a landmark restaurant. Members got to ask me questions about the workings of the AMC (American Mensa Committee, Mensa's Board of Directors) and current issues.
At dessert time, the lights went out and I was presented with an enormous whipped cream covered cake, candles blazing, as a late birthday celebration! What a surprise! Everyone had big slices (natch!) and I took the remainder back home, where it lasted three whole days - by limiting myself to one slice per day. Thanks a million to President/LocSec Judy Keating and her friendly group!
As the weather warms up, here's something cool to eat:
Bitter Chocolate Sorbet
- Bring milk and sugar to just under a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Cook at a gentle simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Slowly whisk in the cocoa mixture and water.
- Chill thoroughly (set over ice water to speed this up). Transfer to ice-cream machine and process. (You can also partially freeze the mixture, then beat it smooth and return to freezer.)