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Palm-Mensa©
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Palm Beach County Mensa December, 2001
most recently updated Tuesday, December 4th, 2001 |
Happy Holidays ! |
Contents
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News and Notices * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Our Scholarship Program is underway. This is an annual program sponsored by the Mensa Education & Research Foundation (MERF). Last year MERF awarded 121 scholarships totaling more than $44,000. for this year's program, entrants can be Mensan or not, but must be enrolled in an institution of post-secondary education for fall 2002. Applications can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: E. Rudolph, 434 SW 28th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33445. All requests for applications must be received by Dec. 18, 2002. Essays and completed applications have to be in by Jan. 15, 2002. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A big THANK YOU to th One Stop Career Center and Donna Bognar for providing space for the October testing session in Port St. Lucie. Donna hosted the group on her day off, which was far and away above the call of duty. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan Tobias updated our Bylaws and the draft is now being reviewed by our board of directors. One change that was made was to change the name of our group to "Palm Beach Area Mensa" to better represent the other counties where our members now live or the counties where potential members live: Saint Lucie, Martin, Okeechoobee, and even Glades. You will get a chance to vote on the new bylaws via a ballot in a future newsletter. No recounts. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Regional Gatherings January 25-27, 2002 - Heart of Florida's "Smarti Gras" in Orlando, FL. Registrar: Eddie Trulove, 3333 Honeysuckle Lane, Orlando, FL 32812; 407.855.9078; truluvs@cfl.rr.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Positions still to be filled.... Scholarship Chair-to distribute information to schools about Mensa's scholarship program that last year awarded over $50,000 to deserving students. Please contact Barry or Elissa if interested. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Here's a philosophical viewpoint for you to ponder-maybe you believe this, maybe not: "In any conflict, the boundaries of behavior are defined by the party that cares least about morality." What do you think? Do you agree or not? Contact Elissa -- maybe we can form a discussion group around this subject. |
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Elissa Rudolph December brings thoughts of holidays, families, snow (but not in Florida!), and holiday treats that we probably should not eat. At least not excessively. A recent report stated that the sales and consumption of "comfort" foods are on the rise. French fries, mashed potatoes, chocolate, ice cream-all those fun treats-may help us deal with the pall of uncertainty that hangs over our country. Why not have dessert...first! What do you think the causes are? What's your favorite comfort food? I hope your holidays are warm and cozy with friends, family, and "comforting" palate pleasers. In October, Broward Mensa threw a great party-we were "blown away again" by the hospitality, games, scholarship auction, the nature walk with our own private biologist, and the chance to meet new people. A small group actually sat still for an RVC Rap on Sunday morning. Their questions were thought provoking and helped me see where to devote energy. We've experienced another successful National Testing Day! The latest figures are that 1,365 people were tested on October 20 in 171 testing sessions held by 98 groups. (Note: if your group participated but has not reported your results, please do so by emailing Catherine Barney, catherineb@americanmensa.org) Many positive news reports resulted from the media blitz; I know Palm Beach County Mensa's (my home group) endeavor was featured in a local newspaper. The MERF Scholarship program is underway. Groups who are participating are mailing application information right now to schools, libraries, museums, colleges. Applications and essays have to be in the local scholarship chair's hands by January 15th, 2002. Until there is a regional web site where there's lots of room for you to read about each other's challenges and successes, I'm going to spotlight a group in each RVC column. This month the spotlight is on......Mensa of Jacksonville and their newsletter, Mensanity. One of the smaller groups with a little over 100 members, nevertheless, they are continuing a tradition of holding an "open house" Thanksgiving celebration. The hosts, Ron and Gloria Fortin, prepare the turkey; everyone else brings their favorite side dishes. Wonderful! Can you imagine the selection of "comfort" foods?? Jacksonville is also looking into MensaWorldConnect, a sister-city program to link up with another city/chapter of similar size, sort of like pen pals. Keep us posted on your new pal, Jacksonville! Happy December! See you at SmartiGras in January! Coming Events: Smarti Gras, Central Florida Mensa, January 25-27, 2002, Orlando, Registrar: Eddie Truelove, truluvs@cfl.rr.com. An "Un-Gathering" in February??? Stay tuned.... Elissa Rudolph 561-272-0475 |
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Barry Karas NEW TO PBCM. New member ERIC SPURGEON and relocating members JAMES MORSE, GRANT RUPLE, HOWARD WOHLGEMUTH, and ROBERT ZEEMAN have chosen to join PBCM. I hope that you will join us in one or more of our events. AMC MEETING. This meeting is at the Airport Hilton on Saturday, December 1, with the AMC members arriving Friday evening, November 30. This is an opportunity for you to meet the leaders of our overall organization and make your input, possibly directly, known. NATIONAL TESTING DAY (NTD). NTD was a great success with over 1,400 people taking the exam that should result in 500 to 700 new members. During the period surrounding NTD, there was an increase in prior evidence submissions and reinstatements too. We also have other testing sessions several times per year. There is an added feature: we now have proctors in St. Lucie County, so it will be easier for applicants near there to take the exam. Contact Hank Colman (see officer list) for details. SUCCESS STORIES. The National Office is going to issue a revised internal publicity guide soon. Members' success stories will be featured in it. If you have a positive story to relate send it to Catherine Barney (817-607-0060 or catherineb@americanmensa.org). HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON! And, of course, SAVE FENWAY. |
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Glen Moulder and Elissa Rudolph As of October 31st, 2001, we had 295 members, 1 brand new, 4 who moved in, 1 reinstating after more than a year-Eric Fishman, and 1 renewing after less than a year-David L. Baumgardner. Welcome back to the latter two--come on out where we can meet you! See "Notes from the Underground" for names of our new member and those who moved into our group. Welcome to all-we look forward to meeting you for the first time, or renewing our acquaintance! We also send condolences to the family of the late Bernard Colodney. He was a member of since 1977. Please note: If you don't see your birthday shown in this section when it should appear, you probably indicated to the national office that this information should be withheld. If so, and you do want it to appear, simply contact the national office and change your information withholding preferences. |
Happy December MensAnniversary (year and persons) to:
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38 ! R Livingston 36 Dr. Norma Schulman-Waltzer 33 Dr. Paul Schacknow 27 Michael Benne 26 Judith Boudreau 25 Rosemarie Dowling 24 Roy Canon 18 Jim Hamilton 16 Laurence Runsdorf 10 Ann Bachman 08 Evelyn Levy, Simon Mozley and William Whitesell 05 Mabel Mendel 04 Richard Engelland 03 Larry Hafner and Sharry Israel 02 Eric Ackerman, Blossom Meyerson, Stanley Needelman, |
Happy December Birthday (day and persons) to:
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3rd Randolph McKinley, Riley Shipman and Angela Zanin 6th Amy Shaughnessy and Bruce White 9th Russ Maxwell 10th David Osofsky 13th Lawrence Clipper 14th Robert Levy 17th Joni Laird and Hein Onkenhout 19th Dan Payton 20th Ruth Dumas and Sarah Fauer 22nd Katherine Johnson 23rd Dr. Phyllis Godofsky 25th Cassandra Hodgdon 30th Harold Kirkpatrick 31st James Bringman and Roy Canon |
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Northern Exposure Bill Whitesell The November North County Gathering was held at Crawdaddy's in Jensen Beach. Those attending were Bobbie & Julius Kadlecz, Laura Bulawski, Donna Bognar, Mike Purcell, Brian Carr and Bill & Kurt Whitesell, with a cameo appearance by Lee Crooks. We dined in the courtyard. The food and atmosphere were excellent. Join us in December at Donna Bognar's Sunday the 12th at 3:30 PM. RSVP to Donna at 561-878-6418. |
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Volunteering Donna Bognar My father, having been an officer in the Navy, once told me never to volunteer for anything. I ignored him and joined the Army. Ok, you'd think I'd have learned, but instead I opened my big mouth and said I would be the newsletter circulation coordinator. Me and my big mouth!!! Anyway, the FSM (fold, staple, mail -or- fold, spindle, mutilate) evening went well - Bobbie Kadlecz and I did it together and it went surprisingly well - got it all done in about 3 hours - but, of course, that included cursing the Post Office at regular intervals for their picky little rules and deciding that between us, we could figure out a less complicated way to do it. We also changed the name, from FSM to LSD - label, seal, deliver - much more interesting sound, don't you think? (Well, we were around in the "70's you know!!!) This month it should be a lot easier now that we understand the process a little better. I had lots of help at the Post Office from the bulk mail manager - a lady named Pam who was very understanding and helpful with filling out the necessary forms - and I know it will be a piece of cake from now on. Thank you Donna & Bobbie!! |
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Miami's Mini-G Bob Dolson and Jerry Fortner (in hammock) demonstrate the whole theme of Miami's Mini-G: relaxation! A Veteran's Day weekend event that has been going on for more than 15 years, this gathering boasts no structured events, no joke-offs, no blood drives, no business meetings, not even a nametag, unless you really need one. The Lime Tree Bay Resort is on Long Key, MM 68.5, gulfside of the Keys. There's ample opportunity for water sports and a pool and hot tub. There were games, if you wanted to play games. There was a huge flea market not too far away if you wanted to flea, or flee. Long Key State Park was a couple miles away. Jenny Brown and Stan Bercovitch of the Miami group provided hospitality, which consisted of two continental breakfasts, and a steak cookout dinner all for the miniscule amount of $14 per person. Fabulous! Palm Beach Mensa was represented by Bob Dolson and Elissa Rudolph. Many Broward Mensans were there too for a total of about 35 people. Miami gets an A plus for a well-organized, fun gathering! |
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Crab House Breakfast Glen Moulder What? You haven't been to a Crab House breakfast yet? You're missing a real treat. Our founding host, Rich Linett is back from his summer northern residence and is again providing us with much entertainment and camaraderie. I was speaking to another member the other evening who had not yet been to a breakfast event and he mentioned that he couldn't possibly see how the Crab House could serve a good breakfast. I can vouch for their food. I like to eat, and they serve up good food in a delightful atmosphere on the water, across from the Jupiter Lighthouse. Come on out and join us, we always have fun, good conversation. |
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Wicca Today and Yesterday
The Wicca discussion was led by Lady Nokomis, Regina (actually Bettye Pfau), the original founder of a Wiccan path known as Pantheist Wicca and a retired high priestess of three circles in Ohio and Florida. Her focus is primarily the spiritual/philosophical aspects of Wicca. She was accompanied by Lady Morrigan, Lady Bridget, Lady Aradia, and Lord Riekin. After a discussion of the various aspects of the Wiccan religion including its history and goals, the presenters answered many questions from the audience. Lady Bridget conducts classes in Wicca lore. Check her web site at http://www.ladybridget.com/ Thanks to Laura Michaels for the use of the Clubhouse at Morningstar Circle (so aptly named, it seems!). |
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First Friday - at Chesterfield's Elissa Rudolph Our First Friday event at Chesterfield's in Delray Beach continues to draw interesting people. At November's event we saw Barry Karas, Prudy Board, Laura Peralta, Jay Bertolet, Mark McCarthy with his friend, Pauline, Al and Susan (did not make note of surname, sorry!), Merrell and Jerry Fortner, Glen Moulder, Pamela Berteau, and Elissa Rudolph. Bob Dolson was in New Jersey for a high school reunion, but he was also attending a First Friday event hosted by the Northern New Jersey chapter of Mensa. But who had the better time? I think we did in south Florida! |
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Perkophiles - Glen Moulder The November Perkophiles was a reunion of all the folks (including our snowbird friends) that used to come last autumn. What a great place this is for breakfast! We used to hang out at Einstein's in West Palm, where the ambience was lacking, the food mediocre. But, at Bradley's on the deck, there's never a crowd, the food is good, the service pleasant and satisfying. Even if you're not a morning person, you'll enjoy a good cup of coffee, a fine meal and Florida sunshine on the deck. |
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Dusty Recommends Miss Dustinea Jacquette Only two books to review this month, Raptor by Dorsey Fiske (who should know better by now) and The Mangrove Coast by Florida author, Randy Wayne White. |
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White's novels feature Doc Ford, marine biologist, who lives in a marina near the 10,000 Islands off the Florida peninsula. He really just wants to be left alone to work with his fishy companions, but people keep calling on him to help with their lost buddies, lost artifacts, mysterious deaths, and other puzzling events. Doc, being a relatively nice guy, non-confrontational, but a straight shooting fellow if need be, always comes to the rescue. In The Mangrove Coast, he resists as long as possible then gives in when the daughter of a dead war buddy asks him to look into the disappearance of her mother. The action takes Doc to Panama where the author contemplates the changes that have occurred since the area became independent. To tell more might ruin the experience for you. Instead I'll relate what White has to say about mangroves. If you are a Florida resident you already know that red, white and black mangroves line the shores of our state and form islands offshore. Do you know which of the three mangroves likes to have its feet in water all the time? Call Miss Dusty with your answer and your prize is a copy of this book. (You can reach Miss Dusty through Elissa at 561-272-0475.) White writes, "These roots (of the mangroves) grow so densely that mangrove forests not only protect; they also isolate. You can't walk through a mangrove forest; you must climb. Which is why the most inhospitable sections of the world's most inhospitable tropical regions are always, always marked by an expanse of mangroves. And yet, as seen from a distance, mangroves give the impression of lushness and shadow that one associates with fresh water. "It's an illusion." Let your imagination run wild! |
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In Dorsey Fiske's novel, Raptor, a sociopathic hairdresser is the rapist. Now I've done it-I've told you who the villain is. It was my duty because you don't want to waste your time reading this book. True, the tension was high before I guessed who it was. And I really wanted to warn a few of the victims that he was on their trail. But the novel runs out of steam way too early. This villain is too cartoonish to maintain the scariness. If he were made more campy-after all, he is a hairdresser-and if he murdered their hairdos rather than their bodies...now that might have been a better story. He is a reasonable husband (?) and owner of an upscale hair salon where he hears who will be out of town, who will be alone, who might satisfy his yearnings to inflict pain. But why would a hairdresser, in business to make money, murder his wealthiest clients? They certainly can't come back from the grave for a wash and set. Save your time and bypass Raptor, unless you want to find out how he finally gets caught. And it's not by a hair or even the short hairs! |
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Two more promising books next month: Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God (love that title!) and Spencerville. Til next month, use your library card! |
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Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and DO NOT reflect opinions of Palm Beach County Mensa, its officers, or of American Mensa, Ltd., which holds NO opinions. |
© 2000-2007 Palm Beach County Mensa. The Mensa logo is a registered trademark of Mensa International Limited and American Mensa Limited, all rights reserved. Mensa does not hold any opinion or have, or express, any political or religious views.