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CAM Y'all

By

May 2007

 

If you take a look at the calendar grid in a typical Mencinnatian, you will see that there are events occurring almost every day.  Cincinnati Area Mensa is blessed with lots of activities.  On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, we get together at the Spirited Discussions because we enjoy each other's company.  Monday we get together for Trivia at the Pub because we enjoy each other's company, we like to use our brains in a friendly competition!  One Friday a month, we get together at a non-randomly selected restaurant because we enjoy each other's company, and to try new restaurants and experience different cuisines.  One day a month, we get together for a hike because we enjoy each other's company, we like the exercise, and we want to see if Energizer Bunny John Cunningham ever runs down.  Once a month, the Gen-Xers and guests get together because they enjoy each other's company and they like to have fun. 

Looking back at the list in the paragraph above, all those events have certain things in common.  First, we like each other's company.  We form bonds of friendship, and maybe some bonds of tolerance, and you have a pretty good idea who you will see if you go to a certain event.  Second, there is a recurring theme week after week or month after month.  You also have a pretty good idea what to expect, unless you are new to the event.

The one obvious omission to the list in the first paragraph is our Monthly Gathering because it doesn't share these two things in common.  Of course we still enjoy each other's company, but you never know who will show up at an MG.  It may be a small intimate group of less than 10.  It may be a group of 30 or more.  MGs can be good ways to meet new people and form new friendships. 

Secondly, you don't know for sure what to expect at a Monthly Gathering.  We have certain MGs that repeat from year to year, such as Verale Phillips' pool party, grill out coming up again this July.  But most of the MGs are new and different from month to month and year to year.  Esther Charlton works very hard to plan new and different events and/or speakers to draw us out on a Saturday night.  Esther is continually scouting for new locations, speakers, ideas, and ways to encourage people to attend.

I think that most people come to a MG because the current speaker or event seems interesting.  What would it take to get more people to attend MG's?  What would it take to get you to attend MG's?  What can you do to help?

  1. Locations - Would you be willing to host an event at your home?  Do you have a large backyard or patio for summer events?  Do you have room for 10-20 people in your home?  Do you have access to a clubhouse that could be used for a Mensa event?  Do you have a large room that could handle a speaker or a demonstration?  Would your house handle a group of people mingling in several rooms or a games night?
  2. Events / Speakers - Do you have a talent or experiences that might be of interest to others?  Do you know of someone who would be an interesting speaker?
  3. Ideas - Brainstorm!  What can we do that we are not already doing?  What new and interesting things are out there?

Send you ideas to Esther Charlton or to me.  Contact information is on the inside back cover of this issue.