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RVC Clark Jones's Monthly Column - September 2007

A thought occurred to me recently that made me laugh: if we count Doug Miller as still being part of Region 9, we can probably say that "the sun never sets on Region 9." I suspect that Region 8 can probably make the same claim, and, since they include Alaska, they certainly can during the summer. One of the "on-going" problems in Mensa is low participation. It was a problem when I first joined Mensa over a quarter century ago, and it's still a problem. In any group, there is only a small fraction of the membership that you ever see, even if you're in the tiny cadre who attends virtually everything. I don't expect that most folks will be able to attend several events a week, but I really think that "closet" Mensans - those who have never been to any event - are really missing out. I've heard a lot of excuses, mostly fear that they won't "fit in". For you, I say that you already "fit in": you've proven that you are in the 98th percentile just to get into Mensa. If you already have attended something, and it wasn't to your liking, I strongly encourage you to "give it another try". Each of our local groups has a variety of events. An idea that I have come up with is to have a little "friendly competition" within Region 9. I'm putting together the rules, but briefly, it's a "competition" for the hosts/hostesses of events to see who can get the highest percentage of their local group to show up for their event. The time period for this competition will be from October 18, 2007 through January 16, 2008, inclusive. Thus, "party season" is covered. I'm planning on two categories: recurring events (for instance, monthly "games nights"), and non-recurring events (it can be a "monthly" thing as long as it is held in a different location each month, and doesn't go to the same location more than three times a year). Things like board meetings and newsletter preparation work parties are not eligible, and likewise events held in restaurants or bars during their regular business hours will also be ineligible. By the time you read this, I should have the complete rules and entry forms posted on Region9.us.mensa.org. The prize is going to be a plaque that the winner can proudly display! Off on a different tangent, Merv Meyer, of Harbor Area Mensa, has agreed to continue as the Region 9 Scholarship Chair. Thanks, Merv! And a couple of reminders: MindGames is going to be in Phoenix in 2008, and this is one of the few Mensa events that has a limit on the number of participants. And, of course, the 2008 AG is going to be in Denver. That's practically in our back yard! If you need to get in touch with me, please feel free to do so. E-mail is generally best, but "snail mail" or telephone will work too. (If you get my answering machine, please leave a message and I'll call you back.) . 834 N. Constellation Way Gilbert, AZ 85234 480-641-7801

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