Sustenance for the Mind

by Julie Arsenault
The Portsmouth Herald, 3/14/2005
reprinted with permission

NEW CASTLE - New Hampshire’s smartest minds took a break Sunday morning to indulge in an elegant brunch put on at the Wentworth by the Sea.

Members of the New Hampshire chapter of Mensa got together for their monthly social meeting, the "Second Sunday Brunch Bunch" - one of the many social events where Mensans (their term for fellow members) from around the state get together to share ideas, laughs and a good meal. At the end of the meal, just to add a little more thought to the event, the members rate each meal and post their remarks on the New Hampshire Mensa Web site.

Mensa, primarily a social group, was founded in England in 1946 to promote intellectual thinking. The group is nonpolitical and free from any religious, racial or social distinction. In fact, there is only one requirement to join: You must have scored in the top 2 percent of an approved intelligence test at some point in your life and have the evidence to prove it.

Though this group prides itself on its accepting nature, the outside world is not always so quick to return the favor.

"My sister thinks all we do is discuss nuclear physics," said member Adam Smargon "and our continuous plans to take over the world, of course."

It is this misconception that leads most of the members of Mensa to avoid bringing their affiliation with the group up in conversation. "It’s a conversation killer," said member Claire Natola.

Mensa provides various forums that allow its members to flex their highly developed brain muscles and feel comfortable doing it. "Appetite for Discussion" and the "Temperance League" are monthly discussion groups the N.H. chapter puts on throughout the state to allow members the space to think freely.

"This is where I get my mental stimulation," said Portsmouth resident Walter Wakefield.

In addition to its social activities, Mensa also raises money for various scholarships throughout the year. The most prevalent is MERF (Mensa Education Research Foundation), where members judge original student essays describing their academic goals.

Wondering if you’ve got what it takes to join? You’re in luck.

A Mensa-approved test is scheduled for Saturday at Franklin Pierce College.

Test-takers beware: You can only take this test once. The N.H. Mensa Web site has practice tests that anyone can try.

For more information on intelligence testing, Mensa or how the group rated the Wentworth brunch, log onto www.nh.us.mensa.org.