The Editor Writes
The Editor Writes
Greetings from New Hampshire! This issue is going out to local Mensa newsletter
editors across the country as part of the annual full mailing. Between that and our new
members you are holding one of a press run of 600 - a record for this editor. I can
already hear the groans from FSM...
I am very happy to bring you the first of a series of articles about membership from
Laurie Levesque. The essays written by our local scholarship winners are also in
this issue. So sit back, put your feet up and enjoy!
Member News
Congratulations to Dr. Laurie Levesque! Laurie recently earned her doctorate in Organizational Behavior and Theory from the Graduate School of Industrial Administration at Carnegie Mellon University.
Howes Things
Welcome Maine members! By way of introduction, I have been local secretary since February 2000 and editor since June 1998. If you have any questions or concerns about your new local group please contact me.
The awards have been made, the essays published and the 2001 scholarship program is concluded. Many thanks to Scholarship Chair Ann Majeske for doing a great job of running the program this year.
We are coming up on election time again. It is time to form a nominating committee. We need folks who are willing to look for candidates who are willing and able to serve on the executive committee for the 2002 - 2004 term. Current officers are not eligible for the NomComm and NomComm members will not be eligible to run for office this time around. Please let me know if you can serve on this important committee.
We need more volunteers to help make Granite Gathering 2002 a success.
Hospitality and on-site registrar are two of the openings and February is not that far
away. Please get in touch with Sue Barnes, RG Chair, if you are interested.
Paws for Reflection
Well folks, I have some good news and some bad news. As I'm the type who likes to tackle the bad news first, let me report that Maine Mensa has disbanded. The members have been given the option of joining the isolated group or New Hampshire. It's difficult to maintain an active group when it extends over such a large geographic area. The good news is that I expect New Hampshire Mensa to get an award this year for greatest growth in membership.
We cannot keep expecting a small band of volunteers to keep a group active. Mensa is an organization run on a local level by its volunteers. It really behooves us all to try and help out occasionally. You don't have to be a member of the executive committee of your group as there are many small jobs that you can do to help your group and yourself. Going out for lunch or dinner? Why not make it a calendar event. The same goes for other activities you like such as the movies, theater, walking, and hiking or even petting dogs. (If you haven't ever seen a dog agility trial go see one. They are fun to watch and relatively inexpensive.)
October is National Testing Month with the official testing date scheduled for October 20. Testing is one of the ways to recruit new members. Some groups also like to make this into an event with a pizza party afterwards for those who took the tests. What is your group planning?
For those of you who are looking for a social outing with other Mensans consider attending one of the following gatherings:
Mid-Hudson's Reality Gathering
Can you survive a weekend at the Ashokan Field Campus of SUNY NewPaltz? This gathering is quite different from others as its all-inclusive price of $129 includes 6 meals (prepared by a CIA graduate) as well as sleeping accommodations in the bunkhouses. Of course, if you want to sleep in tents that's fine with us if you bring your own. Yes, we do have indoor plumbing! Dates are September 7 - 9.
Mensautumn 2001
C&WM's gathering will be in Hartford, Conn. at the Hilton Hotel where the room rate is only $70 with an additional $5 per day for parking. Registration fee is $55 through October 15.
Pilgrimage - an RG to Die For
Boston's RG will be November 30 - December 2 at the Sheraton Ferncroft Resort in
Danvers Mass., 800-325-3535. Registration fee is $55 and room rate is $82.
The Mensa Event Guide, Part 1:
Mensa does not host events. Puzzling? Truth is, only Mensans host events. It may sound like semantics to you, but in reality it affects what goes on in our group. OK, so I grant you that our local group sponsors both the ExComm Meeting (been to one yet?) and FSM. Every other event listed in Momentum in the past 20 years existed solely because one or more of our members wanted it to happen. That's a LOT of events. Some members just attend events, others host and attend, and some stay in touch only through newsletters, web sites, and e-mail. If you haven't tried hosting, or if you aren't happy with the selection of events offered to you, or if you are new to the group, then I hope this article will give you some helpful tips and maybe some motivation to create your own event. Below you'll find a basic guide for hosting events, but consider it only an overview. In future newsletters look for additional articles that delve more deeply into these and other issues.
How does an event happen? I'm glad you asked. Basically, you decide that you want to do something, host something, or attend something - and then you call it an event and list it in the newsletter. The "something" part is up to you.
What constitutes an event? Well, the short answer is, What do you want it to be? Members have hosted everything from symphony trips to water balloon fights, monthly games events, movie nights, and pool parties. Our calendar has several dinners, lunches, and brunches, but don't let that stop you from hosting something similar, especially if those listed aren't convenient to you. (I wanted a dinner event in Portsmouth, so after trying out several restaurants, I finally found one that had an easy time accommodating a group of us on a Friday night.) Events can be as creative as you want them to be. Try different things! They can be indoors or outside, sports-related, fun, serious, adult-only, family-friendly - whatever you want. But that's the key - host an event that is fun for you.
How do I know people will show up? You don't. The attendance at each event is governed by a number of things: interest, cost, location, weather, traffic, time, season and a zillion individual preferences. Should you let this stop you? Heck no, just do it. Plan an event that you want to attend. That way, if no one shows up, you haven't lost anything. But that's rare. What is more likely to happen though is that you'll get anywhere from a handful of members to a couple dozen who show with bells on (not literally, but you never know). Some events require an R.S.V.P. if held in a location where an exact count is needed. Events held in public venues or in people's homes don't usually require guests to provide advance notice, but if you feel it is necessary, note it in your calendar listing. Speaking of the calendar listing, this is the way we typically advertise events in our chapter (see below).
When should I hold my event? Well, whenever it is convenient for you of course, with one exception: no events are listed at the same time as FSM. Other than that, do what works for you. Some events are held for an hour or two, whereas others last all day or even an entire weekend. If you have time constraints for your event, note that in the calendar listing. Events can be scheduled any day of the week, daytime or evening. You can certainly host one-time events, host the same event a couple of times, or, if it's something you really love, you can make it a regular monthly/weekly/annual event. Some members are partial to one type of event, others come up with several different ones over the course of a year or two that they think are fun and want to share with other Ms.
How do I advertise my event? First, decide which day and time your event will happen. If it is not going to take place at your home, be sure to get the name, address and phone number of the venue. Write up a brief description of the event (with all these details) and write accurate directions on how to get to it. List your contact information so members with questions can call or e-mail you (remember, not all members have e-mail!). Send all of this information to the calendar editor (see current newsletter for those instructions) by the deadline. If you've never listed an event, ask the Calendar Editor or another member for feedback and suggestions. (FYI: The deadline is typically the first day of the month preceding your event. So if you want to host something on March 4th, 14th, or 24th, get the information to the calendar editor by February 1st! Then, when the newsletters are mailed at the end of February, your event is listed with enough lead time for members to read about it and decide to go.)
What is my role as host? Well, first, pat yourself on the back for creating an event. Really!! But don't hurt yourself, because at minimum you'll need to be at the event to make sure it happens as advertised (understandable exceptions would be a blizzard, catastrophic damage to your home, or being beamed aboard an alien vessel). Seriously though, as host you should do the following.
An event can also be co-hosted by two members. Possibilities range from sharing equally in the planning and hosting of the event all the way to one person provides the location and the other does all the planning for it. This works out well for members with small homes or apartments but lots of enthusiasm for hosting events (and for those with lots of space, and a willingness but no time to set up an event). The division of effort is entirely up to the two of you.
The best way to learn what events you like to host is to just jump in and try it out. If you have questions about hosting events just ask other members. They are likely to have additional ideas or suggestions beyond those here.
[Special thanks to Donna Sommer: conversations with her sparked many of the
ideas presented above.]
First Place Local Scholarship Essay
Today, on my twenty-ninth birthday, I returned to college as a full-time student at Plymouth State College after being out of school for seven years. Being a student is an exciting role, one that sparks enthusiasm and passion for learning and life. As an adult degree student I find myself extremely motivated to learn and succeed, so that I can best serve and help those in need.
I am currently working towards my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Earning my Bachelor's degree is not the entirety of my goal; it is merely a step, albeit an important one. When I graduate from Plymouth State College in January of 2002, I will continue on with my education towards a Master's Degree in Social Work. My objectives to obtain a Master's level education are twofold: a strong clinical knowledge with a background in research. This will allow me to work directly with families as a clinician and pursue research to develop best practices for the field of Social Work as a whole. With a strong foundation such as this I will be well equipped to further continue my education at the Ph.D. level.
For the past 6 years, through employment and volunteerism, I have dedicated myself to helping children and their families live happier and healthier lives. I have worked as a direct care provider and as the Program Director at New England Salem Children's Trust, a group home for abused and neglected boys. There I supported and guided my direct care staff of eight through the challenging lives of emotionally disturbed children. Also, for the past 1.5 years I have volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem for the New Hampshire Court Appointed Special Advocates to be a child's voice in court in abuse and neglect cases. I have found my work and volunteer experiences enormously rewarding.
I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for sponsorship by one of your
scholarships. As I stated earlier, I am exceptionally motivated to gain knowledge and be
successful. I have proven that I can achieve great success at the college level by earning
a 4.0 part time last semester. I care passionately about helping people and trying to make
a difference. I believe that this drive motivates me to succeed.
Second Place Local Scholarship Essay
As a child, I would dream of becoming a nurse. Now I am making that dream come true. I am a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters. By waiting on tables in the evening, I have been able to spend time and enjoy my children as well as to help to make ends meet. Sometime last year I started to ask myself; what did I want to do with my life? Looking around at the people I work with and realizing that waiting tables is their life, I began to take some action to make some positive changes to shape my future. I tried to apply for several jobs and found out I did not have the skills or the education to even be considered for the positions. I began to gather information about going to school and found out this was not an impossible task. I then realized that my childhood dream of becoming a nurse could be attained giving my life the meaning and purpose I desire.
I knew that becoming a registered nurse would involve a lot of hard work and sacrifice on behalf of myself and that of my family. With their support I started college and met my prerequisites then passed the NLN test and was accepted into the nursing degree program at the local community college. Although I am still working, I have cut back some to make up for the time I need to study. This has placed some financial pressure on our family. However, I am determined not to allow finances to be the only thing that holds me back from pursuing the education I need to meet my goals.
The next two years will be a challenge but I feel the outcome will be more than worth the effort. Nursing is much more than a career choice for me. I enjoy serving the needs of people and to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others is one of my greatest motivations. Being aware that there is a shortage of nurses at the present time, I am looking forward to becoming a skilled and dedicated worker in the healthcare field.
I believe I have the determination needed to achieve my goal and with the
generosity of scholarships, my attention can be focused more on my studies, thus enabling
me to excel to my potential.
Text of Thank You Card from Valerie Smith
Many Thanks to You - With sincere gratitude and warmest thanks.
Dear Mensa Education and Research Foundation,
I wanted to take some time to thank you for the honor of receiving your scholarship award for New Hampshire. I know it will help me to pursue the education I need to obtain my goal of becoming a registered nurse. On behalf of my family and myself; WE THANK YOU!
Valerie Smith (2nd place for NH State)
Third Place Local Scholarship Essay
Tanya Taylor
My fourth grade teacher, Mr. Rose, influenced my life so much that I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I met him. Mr. Rose was the first male teacher that I had ever had, and he turned out to be the nicest and most helpful person I have ever met.
When I entered Mr. Rose's fourth grade classroom, I had many problems with reading. I had taken special classes, summer school, and I had even been put into the "slower" reading groups for help. Over time I had grown to read a little better, but I was still shy about reading aloud and I still had problems with comprehension; therefore I hated to read. If I read to myself I could read fine, but I was not always able to understand and if I was reading aloud I was too busy stumbling over my words to think about what I had said.
By the time I left his classroom, I was able to read with more confidence and understanding than ever before. Mr. Rose would sit and talk to me about what I was reading, and eventually my reading comprehension improved. Not only was I starting to understand what I was reading, but I was starting to like it!! After my experiences with Mr. Rose I decided that what I wanted to do for the rest of my life was teach. I wanted the opportunity to help some troubled child with their reading or math and I wanted to see the expression on their face when they finally understood.
To begin fulfilling my goal, I had to decide what I wanted to teach. I decided that I wanted to follow in Mr. Rose's footsteps and teach elementary school. My next task was to choose high school classes that would prepare me for college. I chose a well-rounded curriculum with at least 4 classes in each of the 4 main subject areas.
My next step was to decide if teaching was what I really wanted to do. In order to gain some insight I took part in a job shadow at my former elementary school with my fourth grade teacher Mr. Rose. I was able to take part in group activities and I had a chance to help some of the students individually. After my job shadow, I decided that teaching was definitely what I wanted to do.
The most important step I have taken is participating in a career internship. I intern with a Global Studies class at the high school. This allows me to research curriculum and learn about teaching techniques, grading, discipline and lesson plans. I have also learned about the expectations that the school district and the state have for the teachers and material that must be taught.
With the experience and insight that I have received, I believe that I have the
knowledge and determination to be successful in the field of teaching. I have been driven
by the desire to help others as Mr. Rose has helped me and I am determined to get where I
want to be. I have gained some insight and experience; now college can give me the rest of
the tools that I need to accomplish my dream.
Good Wine Cheap
This month we will consider some of the wines of Italy. While an American's
first thought of Europe and wine generally leads to France, Italy is actually a
substantially larger producer. There are literally thousands of wine producers and
numerous very good native grape varieties spread through every corner of the country. For
the dedicated and budget-minded hedonist the potential matches between wine and food in
Italy must appear infinite (it does for me.). There are literally hundreds of Italian
wines exported to the United States. And, the joy of finding wines that you like is truly
in the hunt. Given the limited space in this column we will focus on a few suggestions to
get you started.
You take your chances on the very cheapest wines from Italy, the jug wines. I find them as
a group too tannic, too acidic, or too nondescript. There are, however, a number of wines
available in the $5 to $9 range that you can serve to your guests or in-laws without
confirming their worst suspicions of you.
Let's start with Chianti, probably the most recognizable Italian wine in this country. Chianti is made primarily with the Sangiovese grape from the Chianti region of Tuscany. My personal favorite is the widely marketed Ruffino Chianti Classico. It is rich, smooth and full-bodied. And, it can stand up to all manner of garlic and red sauce. Unfortunately, it recently has been hard to find for under $9 a bottle. The best alternative that I have found is Borghi d'Elsa Chianti by Melini. This wine is generally available for about $6 or $7 a bottle.
Another favorite red wine is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. This wine is inexpensive and tends to be lighter bodied, smoother and less acidic than many Italian reds. It seems to hold its own against pasta, pizza and herbed chicken dishes. And, naturally it is made with primarily the Montepulciano grape in the Abruzzo region. The best producers for the money are consistently Citra ($5 a bottle) and Casal Thaulero ($6). Coming in as quite acceptable second and third are Casal Bordino ($5) and Dario d'Angelo ($4).
There also are many white wine varieties produced in Italy. And, as a group, I find that you have to pay a bit more to get something acceptable. Pinot Grigio is one of the signature white wines of Italy. There are many inexpensive Pinot Grigio's available; but, do not waste your money for anything less than producers such as Cavit or Ecco Domani for $7 or $8 a bottle. Both you and your shrimp scampi will be pleased.
Since all of these wines are made to go with food, I cannot resist recommending a few of our favorite Italian cookbooks. These are "Classic Italian Cooking" by Marcella Hazan, the "Trattoria" by Patricia Wells and the "Joy of Pasta" compiled by the Bolla Wine Company. All I can say about these books is that they are excellent and have contributed mightily to the ten pounds that I have gained the past year.
Remember Grover's first rule of acquisition is to buy by the case. I hope that you will contact me with your favorite wines, discounts and deals at jgrover@berk.com. I will be happy to share them with the broader Mensa group.
John Grover is a member of Mensa of Northeastern New York. He lives with his
wife Sharon in Kinderhook, New York.
©2001 New Hampshire Mensa - All Rights Reserved