#rvc9

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RVC9 Article - June 2026

Far West Foreword, June 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC Region 9

The big event in the region this past month was the Orange County Mensa anniversary party.  Delicious Mexican buffet brought in by Valerie. The highlight of the event was the presentation from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. They brought along three of their resident birds (including a rather majestic owl).   Fortunately, no Mensa members actually became prey during the presentation, as that could have become problematic with our insurance carrier.  Don’t forget A Gathering of Bohemians, Orange County Mensa’s RG over Labor Day weekend!  Only room for 75 guests, so don’t wait until the last minute! The AG is coming, the AG is coming!  And what is there to do in Fort Worth in early July?  At AG 2026, the fun doesn’t end with the sessions — it simply changes locations. Spend your off-hours exploring world-class museums, sipping through Texas history at a distillery tasting, wandering the Stockyards, touring iconic stadiums, or stepping into the past at The Sixth Floor Museum. But these excursions have limited spots, so snag yours early. SIG Spotlight  www.us.mensa.org/connect/sigs/ M-Simplicity

An online discussion group for individuals interested in improving their quality of life while healing and preserving the planet for future generations.

M’s Volunteer Program

M's Volunteer Program (MVP) is a place to share volunteer ideas and programs nationally and then implement them locally.

Around the Region GLAAM (2nd Sunday) – 1:00 to 5:00pm, Pacific Daylight Time

Folksong SIG and Potluck Hosted by Alan Stillson. 5515 Keokuk Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367. It’s near the 101 Freeway and

Winnetka. We have some printed songbooks available. There is a full-size keyboard in the living room.

Meetings are limited to fifteen people. It’s free. Please bring a potluck item to share – no alcohol. Soft drinks and light snacks are provided. Please contact AlanStillson at [email protected] or 818-884-4284 for details and to reserve a spot. Channel Islands Mensa (2nd Sunday) 2:00-4:00pm, Pacific Daylight Time

Second Sunday Afternoon With Mensans in Santa Barbara

Chat, munch, meet old friends, discover new ones at Laura Nanna's house: 541 Alan Road

Greater Phoenix Mensa (2nd Wednesday) 5:00-7:00pm, Arizona Time

Whine and Dine Happy Hour Location: Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant 2820 E Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ. It will be necessary to RSVP Bill Taylor by noon Tuesday, the day before, as to whether you are coming or not, [email protected], so he will be able to make reservations for the actual number attending.

Mensa Hawaii 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday  7:00pm, Hawaii Standard Time, Nerdsday Zoomers! – Join the Nerdy conversation! You (along with everyone else) will be relating what you know about whatever zany, dorky, academic, or just plain out-there topic randomly chosen from a predetermined list. Celeste Rogers at [email protected].

Tucson Mensa

3rd Thursday 11:30 am, Arizona Time Third Thursday Lunch.  Contact Ken and Linda Carpenter [phone] for this month’s location Southern Nevada Mensa Saturdays 9:30-11:30am, Pacific Daylight Time New Location: Barnes & Noble 2191 North Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89108

Join Terry and a group of interesting conversationalists. Please note that the location or time may

change, so please watch your email each week for the official announcement.

Utah Mensa Wednesday June 10  7:00pm, Mountain Daylight Time Dinner at Sizzler

Leslie Cortsen, [email protected]

San Diego Mensa

3rd Sundays 3:00 PM, Pacific Daylight Time Oh, Hell! (Card Game) 

This fun and frustrating card game takes only a few minutes to learn but a lifetime to say "Oh Hell!" when you get stuck with an impossible bid. No charge, BYOB, bring a small snack to share. 10339 Madrid Way, Spring Valley,91977. Park at the bottom of a long, steep driveway. Okay to block garage and carport. BFA, NS, CAT. TG 1271-E5/6. Info/Dir: Barbara Lytle, [phone]. Orange County Mensa First Thursday Lunch, 12:00 Noon, Pacific Daylight Time

Contact John Kerr for this month’s location. If you get lost or have questions, John’s

cell phone is 714-746 6302.

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RVC9 Article - May 2026

Far West Foreword, May 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC9

2025-2026 was a turbulent year for Mensa.  There were some divisive issues which are still being resolved. But by the end of it, light was visible at the end of the tunnel.  Last March there was a severe membership dropoff which left Mensa with 36,000 or so members.  This year the dropoff was roughly 1000 members less severe, and by the time you read this, we will likely be back over 38,000 members.  Our focus at AMC this year has been examining the reasons why members lapse, and brainstorming ways to attract new members.  Hopefully the less severe membership drop this time is an indication this focus is beginning to take hold.  The core of our work was our new Strategic Plan, to align traditional committees under five pillars, while adding other priorities which are now getting much needed attention: Membership Growth & Outreach; Member Experience & Retention; Technology & Operational Efficiency; Sustainable Revenue & Events and Trust, Culture & Safety  You can read all the pertinent details at www.us.mensa.org/lead/planning/strategic-plan/

Upcoming Regional Gatherings for 2026-2027! If you’re able to attend, don’t miss Mensa Hawaii’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration – May 7 to 15, 2026! Celebrating 60 dazzling years of Mensa Hawaii with a spectacular cruise aboard the award-winning Celebrity Edge,departing from the stunning shores of Honolulu, Hawaii and arriving in the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada.  Anton Anderssén, [email protected]

Orange County Mensa is back on the Calendar with A Gathering of Bohemians, limited to the first 75 attendees at their traditional hotel by John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana over Labor Day weekend. An RG that celebrates the road less traveled.... plus, all the nerdy wonderfulness we generally rock. Karon Roberts, kgcay@yahoo

And breaking news, after also resting a year after closure of their regular hotel, GLAAM is back in business with StaRGazing 2027 at their new hotel in Culver City! It will be held the weekend AFTER Presidents Day weekend to avoid the higher hotel fees of the Super Bowl, held locally at SoFi Stadium this year during what is their usual holiday weekend.  Jana Bickel, [email protected]

SIG Spotlight    www.us.mensa.org/connect/sigs/ Bibliophile Ms is a group for book lovers to discuss books, share recommendations, and share content that other book lovers will appreciate. We have occasional book clubs and plan to meet in-person at Annual Gatherings. Self-Sufficient Ms, From homesteading to home brewing, greenhouse growing to home gardening, food preservation to doomsday prepping — this is the place for Mensans to discuss all things related to self-sufficiency.

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RVC9 Article - April 2026

Far West Foreword, April 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC9 - Far West Region

Orange County Mensa is proud to announce their 2026 RG, A Gathering of Bohemians, limited to first 75 attendees. $159 early-bird registration through May 31.  $169 through July 31.  $146/$156 (double) for rooms at MainStay Suites OC/John Wayne Airport. See the April OC Oracle for details.

OC Mensa welcomes new President Ken Burke and new Calendar Editor Kassandra Huntley to their roles. GLAAM toured The L.A. Central Library, celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Author Octavia Butler was involved in the restoration after the 1980's fire, & created the lab bearing her name. We also had a tour of the lab, which includes soundproof rooms with recording equipment, photography studio with professional lighting & computers, a computer driven CADD design area with smart weaving machines, & 3D printers. All free for members of the L.A. Public Library.

GLAAM welcomes new Membership Officer Jennifer Minette, who brings great enthusiasm to the role.

SIG SPOTLIGHT MEDIC: Ms for Equality, Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Change

Our goal is to take deliberate action and offer tangible solutions to improve the experience of marginalized peoples within Mensa. We welcome all who want to make Mensa a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming organization.

M-Available

Can you say "I aM-Available" ethically and honestly? Then find your M-tastic match with M-Available! M-Available's purpose is to help available adult Mensans find appropriate companions for one another and provide support for those looking. Membership is limited to adult Mensans (18+).

AROUND THE REGION

Orange County Mensa OC Mensa’s 46th Anniversary and Spring Fling, Sunday April 12, 12:00-2:30pm Lake Park Santa Ana North, Clubhouse, 1510 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana. Fun luncheon on Sunday, April 12, to celebrate  Featuring an educational presentation by the Orange County Bird of Prey Center $20 adults & teens, $10 age 12 & under. Includes all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet lunch & beverages. See the March OC Oracle for payment options by April 6, including [email protected] via PayPal

GLAAM Cutting-Edge and Big Ideas SIG (2nd Saturdays), Noon to 2:00 PM Meet at Sirens Java & Tea, 402 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA, We'll meet monthly to share big ideas, friendship, and fun. We can even share outings together. We'll discuss articles, books, and knowledge about lots of cool topics. We will be reading a cutting-edge or big idea book each month, chosen by our members.  Jennifer Minette, [email protected]

San Diego Mensa 2nd Friday Happy Hour, 4:00-7:00 PM At On the Border Restaurant, North County Mall, 298 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido, CA, 92025. $5.75 drinks and appetizers. If you're headed home on the I-15 anyway, duck off here to chat and wait out rush hour. Look for a table with a decorative owl on it. Edward Chu, [phone] cell

Channel Islands Mensa First Sunday Lunch in San Luis Obispo,Noon Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort (1215 Avila Beach Dr) in the back Dining Room. Utah Mensa Dinner at The Bayou  645 S State St Salt Lake City, UT, Wed. May 20, 6:00 PM Buzzy eatery & bar offering Cajun-inspired fare & pub grub, plus extensive beer selections. Tucson Mensa Games Day (2nd Saturdays) 3:00-6:00ish PM Beth Dudek’s House,  9370 E Montea Pl, Tucson, [phone].  Feel free to park in the driveway.

Southern Nevada Mensa Saturday Morning Discussion Group  (Weekly) 10:00 AM to Noon Doc's Lounge at Skinny Dugan’s Casino & Lounge  4127 West Charleston Blvd.  Las Vegas. Join Terry and a group of interesting conversationalists.

Mensa Hawaii Minecraft Monday! (2nd Mondays) [email protected] for details/times.

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RVC9 Article - March 2026

Far West Foreword, March 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC9 - Far West Region

Region 9 Zoom Chat in February.  Nice mix of experienced veterans and a brand new member from ELAC.  Members from different chapters had an opportunity to meet and say hello.  And there were some good ideas presented to help with our problems of attracting new members and member retention.  I ran a couple of them up the flagpole at the AMC, and added one of my own.  They are currently under review.  I don’t know if you will see them come up for a vote at our March meeting, because processes don’t move swiftly in Mensa, but if not, perhaps by the next meeting.  I’m planning to hold the Zoom Chats quarterly, so look for the next one in April.  With a plethora of news to report, I will pause the Around the Region feature for March. AG Gala Speaker Dress up your intellect and your appetite. At the AG 2026 Gala Dinner in Fort Worth, enjoy an evening of great food and even better conversation with Monica Lewinsky — activist, writer, producer, and host of Reclaiming Monica Lewinsky. In a moderated discussion, she'll explore identity, resilience, and compassion in a culture shaped by public scrutiny and digital life. The July 2 Gala Dinner is a ticketed event. Mensa Digital Programs for March Low Barrier Virtual Experiences Throughout March, prospective members will be invited to attend 3–4 national virtual events, including: (subject to change).  Search under the title on the AML national website for details.

March 4 – Level Up! Leadership Workshop: Lead With Relationship We ALL experience work like a relationship. That means we crave the same things from work that we do ANY important relationship in our lives: acceptance, appreciation, and commitment. Through this eye-opening talk, Jason Lauritsen delivers an experience that helps leaders put an end to any outdated ways of managing people, so they can instead liberate employees to deliver their best.

March 8 – Webinar: Raising Gifted Children in the Age of AI  Artificial intelligence is transforming how children learn and create. Gifted kids can push boundaries in ways that both excite and concern us. More importantly, gifted kids face unique challenges with AI that the generic "teach critical thinking" advice doesn't address. Their advanced cognitive abilities, intense curiosities, and asynchronous development create specific considerations. This event is free and Mensa membership is not required to attend

March 11 – Webinar: What Is Mensa About (Lead by the AMC Chair and Membership / Marketing / Communication Officer) Details coming soon.

March 28 – Mensa Foundation Speaker Series: Giftedness as Identity (Our super awesome sister organization has offered a free code for prospective members to use during this month – THANK YOU) Details coming soon.

Theodore Talks are back for a fifth year, and this time we’re drinking tequila. ¡Viva Theodore! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z56sR6OyRVChPAX1uVSpog#/registration March 22 Dudley Clarke: The Genius of Deception Can one man change the course of a world war? From 1941, working from rooms over a Cairo brothel, British officer Dudley Clarke conceived a new way of fighting the Nazis: using the tools of the mind. Deception in war isn't a new idea, but this eccentric colonel realized that global conflict offered the chance to carry out deception on a global scale. Instead of getting the enemy to put a battalion at the wrong end of the line, he would persuade them to put whole armies in the wrong country. His tools were a limitless imagination and a talent for stagecraft. But his eccentricity would end up nearly destroying everything he'd built. Robert Hutton, author of The Illusionist: The True Story of the Man Who Fooled Hitler, spent years in Britain's archives digging out Clarke's amazing story; now you will learn it as well

SIG Spotlight Find the contact information for these and all SIGs here: https://www.us.mensa.org/connect/sigs/ Poetry SIG

Poems, poetry news, ideas, discussions, writing prompts. Post humorous light verse and modern and classic poetry. If you are a poet or just enjoy reading or discussing poetry, join our fun, friendly, politics-free Facebook Group.

Postcard Pals

Are you interested in meeting Mensans throughout the world? If so, the Postcard Pals SIG is for you. Most contact is by postcard through a pen pal-type relationship, but we also have informal gatherings, meet other members if they are traveling through our neck of the woods, and have a Facebook Group to keep each other up to date.

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RVC9 Article - February 2026

Far West Foreword, February 2026

Jay Friedlander, RVC9 - Far West Region

Region 9 is happy to welcome three new regional officers, Rachel Kibler, Region Assistant, Laura Dohner, Regional Gifted Youth Coordinator and Brian Madsen, Regional Webmaster.  They all bring a wealth of experience to their new roles, and very happy to have them aboard!  Regional Social Media Coordinator and Regional Young Adult M’s Coordinator are still open.

Our focus at the AMC has been on member retention and testing, to grow the organization and turn around the decline in membership.  For anyone who watched the December AMC meeting, there was a testing presentation, which we are carefully looking into, in conjunction with Mensa International.  Here is a link to the video of the meeting.  The testing presentation begins approximately one hour in. https://www.us.mensa.org/lead/amc/meeting-reports/meeting-reports-recordings/?type=mrepav&id=85

GLAAM had a big fun group for the LA Harbor Tour. Our GLAAM Coastal Secretary, Tō Meni, pulled together a brilliant adventure for us. Wewere guided by Lauren Johnson, Director of Marketing, for the San Pedro Ports O' Call remodel. Ports O’ Call has been replaced with a gorgeous West Harbor revitalization project. It’s exciting to see history in the making. GLAAM also enjoyed a festive holiday party at LocSec Sam Moses’ home, including the Tacky Gift Exchange.

ORANGE COUNTY MENSA put on a delicious holiday brunch, food prepared and assembled by Region 9’s unofficial Hospitality Chair, Valerie Spear.

SOUTHERN NEVADA MENSA enjoyed it’s Annual Mensa Boxing Day Party. It was a hit as always. There was wonderful food, lots of laughter, and great conversations throughout the day, and did I say wonderful food? Thank you as well to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a warm and memorable way to close out the year. 

Around the Region

Utah Mensa Wednesday, February 18, 6:00pm Dinner at New Golden Dragon Restaurant, 1716 S State St, SLC.  Enjoy the great Chinese food!

Orange County Mensa Wednesday, February 4, 12:30 PM  LuncH with a Capital H  Join us for sandwiches and conversation and maybe a beer. New year, same nonsense. Look for us at the round big table (if we get it). Location: Hollingshead’s Deli, 368 S. Main St., Orange. Behind Victory Diner. North of the 22 Fwy, south of Chapman. Look for Deli sign in the corner of a small shopping center. Contact: John Olsen, 714-771-3095.

Greater Los Angeles Area Mensa Thursday January 12 (2nd Thursday) - 5:30-8:00 PM Contemporary Issues Discussion Dinner starts at 5:30 and the discussion starts between 6:45 and 7:00 PM. We meet at Galpin Ford’s Horseless Carriage restaurant, located at 15505 Roscoe Blvd in Van Nuys, in the back room. Park in the restaurant parking lot or across the side street at Galpin Ford. We will discuss various aspects of Photography. Bring photos to share. Seating is limited so please RSVP to [email protected]

Greater Phoenix Mensa Sundays, 6:00PM (ongoing) Virtual Idea Exchange discussion group. You may propose anything of interest to you. We discuss the topic(s) of most interest. A book, movie, news item, TV report, idea ANY TOPIC of your choice. Join Zoom Meeting. Pete Costantino, [email protected], will run this meeting. Audio and Video required for participation. Contact: Jim Delton, [email protected]. Feel free to email Pete (cc Jim) with your proposed topics.

Mensa Hawaii Tuesday, February 10, 7:00pm Nerdsday Zoomers! – On the 2nd Tuesday join the Nerdy conversation! You (along with everyone else) will be relating what you know about whatever zany, dorky, academic, or just plain out-there topic randomly chosen from a predetermined list. See MensAloha for details.

San Diego Mensa Wednesday February 11, 7:00 PM TALK NERDY TO ME TRIVIA TEAM MacGregor's Bar and Grill, 10475 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego. Come join fellow Mensans for an evening of trivia and fun! Always the second Wednesday of the month. Great prizes. Lots of fun. Look for the table with the "Talk Nerdy to Me" sign. Trivia starts at 7:00, we will group at around 6:00. Overflow parking behind the Firefighter's Union Hall next door. Info/ Dir: Theresa Kasel, [email protected], RSVP via text [phone].

Southern Nevada Mensa Tuesdays, 6:00pm (ongoing) McMullan's Irish Pub Dinner at 6:30pm and Trivia 7:30pm 4650 West Tropicana Las Vegas, NV 89103 Which cocktail mixes Sambuca and Baileys Irish Cream? What are the four ingredients of an Ernest Hemingway? SNVM has been taking over table space in one of the rooms of McMullan's Irish Pub (on W. Tropicana) every Tuesday evening. There's a trick to getting our own "M" area -- show up for dinner at 6 pm and then be in place for the extremely popular and hotly contested TRIVIA event. Find us at Table 75!

Tucson Mensa Thursday, February 12, 6:00pm Tucson Star Trek Fan Club Everyone Welcome! Casa Film Bar, 2905 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716. RSVP Nick Quaglietta, [email protected]

Channel Islands Mensa Sunday February 8, 2:00-4:00pm Second Sunday Afternoon With Mensans  Chat, munch, meet old friends, discover new ones at Laura Nanna's house: 541 Alan Rd.

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RVC9 Article - January 2026

Far West Foreword, January 2026 Jay Friedlander, RVC9 - Far West Region

By the time you read this, GLAAM’s StaRGazing 2026 RG will most likely have been canceled for February, with refunds issued. GLAAM is optimistic about having a new venue in place later in the year. At the moment, the most likely site is undergoing a remodel, which will make it nicer for us if we do go there. More to come.

I am looking forward to personally attending Orange County Mensa’s Holiday Brunch, and was sorry to miss San Diego Mensa’s Holiday Party, and Southern Nevada Mensa’s upcoming Boxing Day Party, their biggest event of the year.

The AMC meeting took place on the weekend of December 5. The first day was devoted to an outside expert who spoke on strategy and stewardship. It’s a subject I take to heart, as every officer in Mensa is a steward for their part of the organization, and for the responsibilities which come with it. The second day was routine AMC business, approving modifications to Mensa’s ASIE’s. And two new members of the AMC were appointed. Tiyeme Lampart as Communications Officer and David Leavitt as Membership Officer. They both bring a wealth of experience, and welcome both to the AMC.

Fort Worth, all roads lead to the AG: All the AG’s a stage! Coming to the Annual Gathering is great — taking the stage is even better. Share your passion, host a meet-and-greet, run a tournament, or lead a workshop. Interested? Submit your proposal now for consideration. And a heads-up, AG rates rise on January 31, so snag the discount while you can!

Around the Region Southern Nevada Mensa January 2, First Friday, 7:00 pm, Panera Bread, 7890 W Tropical Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89149 Join us for casual and unstructured discussion. Feel free to get dinner or a snack if you want - Panera has a wide variety of menu options. No RSVPs needed. Show up and leave whenever you want to, or just drop by for a minute to say hi! Non-Mensan guests are welcome. Introvert-friendly. This will be a recurring event on the first Friday of each month. Contact: Sandy Marshall [phone]. (Yes, 703 is the correct area code!) [email protected] And for those chapters who get an early newsletter drop, don’t forget the Boxing Day party on December 26, Joyce 725-218-8190

Utah Mensa A pair of January events in Utah, Sunday, January 18, starting at 4:00am, Crystal Hot Springs, 8215 N Highway 38, Honeyville, Utah, many pools and a water slide. new facilities. The senior rates are $3 off the $18 price. And Wednesday January 21, Dinner at the Bohemian Brewery & Grill 94 E Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, where you’ll enjoy some of the best food in town.

Greater Los Angeles Area Mensa January 11, Folksong SIG and Potluck Hosted by Alan Stillson. 5515 Keokuk Ave. Woodland Hills 91367, near the 101 Freeway and Winnetka. We have songbooks and a full-size keyboard. Limited to fifteen people. It’s free. Please bring a potluck item to share – no alcohol. Soft drinks & light snacks are provided. Contact Alan Stillson at [email protected] or 818-884-4284 for details and to reserve a spot. We form a song circle and take turns leading a song or passing. Solos and sing-alongs; all genres. Any song that is still performed twenty or more years after its initial popularity as a folksong. If you play a musical instrument, feel free to bring it and play it. (SFV)

Channel Islands Mensa Sunday January 4th, First Sunday Lunch in SLO at noon on at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort (1215 Avila Beach Dr) in the back dining Room. This time, your local Mensa chapter will pay for the food and non-alcoholic drinks. And bring your walking shoes if you'd like to check out the restaurant's "Secret Garden”. It's well worth the 5 minute walk.

Mensa Hawaii Monday January, 12, Minecraft Monday! – On the 2nd Monday of each month we gather online to create and explore the amazing world that is Minecraft. Friends are always welcome. Full server instructions as well as a Google map of the world and live Twitch.tv streams of our most active contributors can be found on our website: http://goo.gl/vQBvOy. A RaidCall server is also available as a free voice channel overlay to chat live in-game. Please direct any questions to [email protected]. Or see our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/202471639956009.

Orange County Mensa Wednesday, January 21, 1:00 PM South of the Border Join us south of the border (the border being the El Toro Y) for a south-county lunch. RSVP not required. Look for the black-and-yellow “M” sign on the table. Contact: Tom Streeter for this month’s location, 949-668-3468

San Diego Mensa Sunday, January 11, 2nd Sunday Bagel Brunch, At the home Chuck and Leona Borough, 1220 Park Hill Lane, Escondido, CA 92025. Scrambled eggs, breakfast potato fries, cookies, special fruit soup and bagels. Contributions of food or drink cheerfully accepted, but not required. From 15 going North, take Centre City Parkway -right on Felicita, left on Juniper, right on Idaho to top of hill then left on Park Hill Lane. Go 0.5 miles, up gentle grade, then down gentle grade, then the house on left with a walled driveway. Long driveway up hill. Parking at top. Info/Dir: Chuck Borough, [email protected], [phone].

Tucson Mensa Ongoing, monthly, Virtual Book Club. This months book is A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. Join us at www.goodreads.com/group/show/1265373-tucson-mensa

Greater Phoenix Mensa Tuesday January 13, ME/P Ahwatukee M Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30 pm Join us for a drink, a meal and stimulating conversation. Michael Riordan, [email protected] 480.335.9890. Every second Tuesday at Headliner's Sports Grill (formerly CK's Tavern & Grill), 4142 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048

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Regional Coordinator Article - October - November 2025

From Jay Friedlander, RC9

Congratulations to Region 9’s Jewel Award winners! These awards recognize Local Groups that truly sparkle — the ones making a big impact through active participation, creative programming, and contributions that brighten the Mensa experience for everyone. Class IV (125-199 members) Mensa Hawaii, Ruby Award

Class II (400-1099 members)

Orange County Mensa, Emerald Award

San Diego Mensa, Emerald Award

GLAAM member (Finally) receives MERF awards! Six years ago, GLAAM member Mayank Kejriwal was awarded not one, but two MERF (Mensa Education and Research Foundation) awards for his work on using artificial intelligence to combat human trafficking. He received the Copper Black award for exceptional creativity and problem solving, and the International Intellectual Benefits to Society Award for application of a Mensa’s intellectual abilities that result in a tangible benefit to society. Bestowal of these awards was accidentally overlooked due to the pandemic, and we finally presented them last month.

Dr. Kejriwal was recognized for his contributions to the Domain-specific Insight Graphs (DIG) project, an AI system designed to combat human trafficking. It’s been deployed by over 200 US law enforcement agencies. 

Mayank Kejriwal is a principal scientist and research associate professor at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering.

One of Mensa Hawaii’s  long-time members, Stan Jones, passed away in September on

Patriot’s Day. Stan had been a very active member and served on various committees, including the Executive Committee. He had been a prior Chair. His wife, Karin Jones, is still alive and well. You can offer her your condolences if you attend his funeral on October 15th at the Hawaiian Memorial Park (45-425 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe) Glass Chapel. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m.,

followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. (with lunch to follow). Burial with military honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. Tucson Mensa wishes to recognize the passing of longtime Tucson Mensa board member Jim Puls.  The newly-renamed Jim Puls Memorial Chat takes place Tuesdays at 1:00pm on Zoom.  See the Tucson Mensun for details. And finally, GLAAM wishes to remember Sandra Smith, who joined the GLAAM Board in 2010 and was a contributing member for approximately 11 years. Aside from being a Board Member, Sandra was always willing to help - RG speaker, RG committee member, scholarship essay reader, and she had started the process to become a proctor shortly before Covid interrupted. And Allen Lasko, an active member of the testing team for Los Angeles. Among other things he was in charge of the practice tests. His daughter Stephanie sent us a photo of Allen’s grandson Yonah, a prospective 14-year-old member. So Allen’s presence will live on with his grandson. It’s important to remember our past, and now we need to look to our future. Around The Region

As always, contact the event hosts for information on future iterations of expired events.

Greater Los Angeles Area Mensa

Nov 1 (1st Sat) – 6:00 PM to Midnight

Halloween Party at Moses Manor

At the home of Sam Moses, our Local Secretary. 821 Dickson Street, Maria del Rey 90292

Costumes encouraged for this dramatic, horrific, and possibly life-changing event. Near Washington Blvd and Lincoln Blvd. Look for the Halloween decorations in the front yard! Prizes for the best costumes. Bring $10 or some food. (Coastal)

Mensa Hawaii

Big Island Holiday Brunch Big Island Mensa members and visiting Mensa members will gather for brunch on 2 December at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai north of Kailua-Kona. This will be the annual holiday gathering for the

group. For planning purposes and details, please RSVP to

[email protected] or [email protected] by 15 November.

Orange County Mensa

OC Holiday Party

OC Mensa Celebrate the Season…with your fellow Mensans

Sat., Dec. 13,  5 PM - 9 PM

Lake Park Santa Ana North Club House, 1510 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana

$20 - adults & teens, $10 - age 12 & under

Includes all-you-can-eat dinner, dessert, & holiday drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic)

Reservation deadline: Saturday, December 6.

To reserve, send payment either:

Online: www.PayPal.com to: [email protected]

OR via check: Payable to Orange County Mensa, Mail to: Meg Sulzen, OC Mensa Treasurer

1617 E. Washington Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Include name of each attendee and ages of children or teens.

Indicate special dietary requirements: Vegetarian OR Gluten Free

Questions about reservations/payments: text Meg at 714-501-7318

Other questions or to volunteer to help: contact: John Olsen, 714-771-3095 or [email protected] Southern Nevada Mensa

The spotlight is on two events which don’t happen every month. While they will both have happened by this reading, contact Joyce for the next one, and mark the Quarterly Dinner somewhere on your calendar for three months from now.

Underground Gourmet SIG Dinner at Ichabod’s, Wednesday, October 16, 2025, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

3300 E Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89121

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you want to go back to again and again? A special place with great food, unique choices and free parking for locals?

On October 16, 6:30 PM, please join me at one of my own personal favorite well-hidden eateries. Ichabod's is one of those hard-to-find gems that makes the hunt for it worthwhile. This secret find is far in the back of the shopping center at Pecos & Flamingo, so if you get too lost, their number

is 702-451-2323.  Please RSVP: Joyce 725-218-8190.  

If you're a last minute attendee, drop in and we'll try to make room for you. Quarterly Dinner at Black Bear Diner, Thursday, October 23, 2025, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

8565 W Sahara Ave.  Las Vegas, NV 89117  (corner of Durango and Sahara Boulevards)

Let's get together for dinner and conversation!  See blackbeardiner.com for menu. Free parking. Non-Mensan guests are welcome. Introvert-friendly. RSVP

REQUIRED - send email to [email protected] -by Tuesday evening October 21.

San Diego Mensa

2nd Wednesday, October 8th, 1:30 PM

Older and (Allegedly) Wiser SIG

I’ve been a Mensan for 50 years. I don’t go to SIGs anymore because my processing power and speed is diminished, and I don’t want to embarrass myself. Is anyone else in this boat? Patio of Cardiff Seaside Market, 2087 San Elijo Av, Encinitas 92007. Info/RSVP: Craig Broude,

[email protected]. Use subject line: Older Wiser SIG.

Tucson Mensa Third Thursday Lunch

11:30 AM  Thursday, October 16 (and presumably Thursday November 20?) Check with the host for details. Baggins Gourmet Sandwiches

5420 E Broadway Blvd.  Tucson. https://bagginsgourmet.com/

Ken and Linda Carpenter, 520-325-9717

Greater Phoenix Mensa

Saturdays at 3:00 PM

Mensa/Intertel Virtual Happy Hour Even introverts get tired of being by themselves after a while! Are you getting tired of only talking to your pets? Connect virtually with other introverts on Zoom! Use the Zoom app, or use Zoom in your browser, or use the audio on your smartphone. Just follow the links on "Join Zoom Meeting". Audio and Video required for participation. BYOB Bring Your Own Beverage. Contact Judy Herrmann, [email protected].

Channel Islands Mensa

Sunday October 5th First Sunday Lunch In San Luis Obispo at 12:00pm

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort (1215 Avila Beach Dr) in the back dining Room (approx.. $20). And bring your walking shoes if you'd like to check out the restaurant's "Secret Garden”. It's well worth the 5 minute walk. This event will have already taken place by press time, but will it become a recurring event the first Sunday in November? I am going to take the liberty of suggesting that William Noack, Deputy LocSec, Circulation Manager &

Publications Officer/Editor [email protected] might be a source to check with for more information.

[gpm-maam]

Regional Coordinator Article - September - October 2025

From Jay Friedlander, RC9

The American Mensa Committee welcomes Debra Reiger as Regional Coordinator 8 and Henri Fishkind as Second Vice Chair. Both bring extensive leadership experience at local, regional, and national levels.  

Debra, a longtime leader in Sacramento Regional Mensa and former RVC 8, succeeds Dan Burg, who stepped down to serve on the Mensa International Constitutions Review Committee while continuing as Chair of the American Mensa Bylaws Committee. Henri has served as RVC 2, National Membership Officer, and on multiple national committees, in addition to holding leadership roles in Central New Jersey Mensa. Replacing Henri will be Erin Risch, appointed to the Regional Coordinator 2 position.

The RVC Special Election continues American Mensa is thrilled to spotlight the 2025 National Awards recipients! Check out the winners of this year's National Service Award, National Certificate of Appreciation, Distinguished Service Award, Proctor of the Year, and Testing Coordinator of the Year. Join us in saluting each of our 2025 awards recipients for their outstanding service and for going above and beyond to make a difference. https://www.us.mensa.org/recognize/national-awards/

Region 9 is especially proud to recognize the following 2025 National Awards recipients from our region:

American Mensa’s National Service Award was first given in recognition of “faithful service to American Mensa.” 

Bill Etienne, Orange County Mensa Caroline McCullagh, San Diego Mensa

American Mensa’s Distinguished Service Award is given in cases of “outstanding service to American Mensa.”

Richard Lederer, San Diego Mensa

Congratulations to all the recipients, nationwide!

Online petition process for candidates for the AMC 2025 Special Election began on August 15, 2025, and ends at 11:59 p.m.,Central time, on October 12, 2025. Potential candidates begin that process and members may sign petitions at https://www.us.mensa.org/lead/amc/election/candidate-petitions/ At least 100 valid signatures are required for Regional Vice Chair candidates.

SIG Spotlight:

Schooling SIG

The Schooling SIG is a gathering place for Mensan educators from preschool through college, adult education, and beyond to share resources and support. Membership is open to Mensans interested in education (e.g., parents and students). Group interests include best practices, education policies, teaching resources, and gifted and talented education.

Traveling Ms

Meet other exceptional Mensans who love to travel for excitement, learning, adventure, and fun. Join Traveling Ms to share and get trip advice, let others know where you're headed, join others on trips, experience group adventures, have the time of your life, capture unforgettable memories, and create lifelong friendships.

Around The Region

As always, contact the event hosts for information on future iterations of expired events.

San Diego Mensa

SDM Annual Picnic, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, September 20, Coming up fast - this one may only make San Diego Mensa’s newsletter deadline! Come one, come all - The annual San Diego Mensa picnic will be held at the Lake Poway Recreation Area, 14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway CA 92064. We will be in The Pavilion, a handicap accessible location. San Diego Mensa will supply burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, and fixings. Please bring a dish to share. Food will be served at noon.There are plenty of picnic tables and benches in our reserved area under the trees and there will be indoor seating as well. PLEASE RSVP to [email protected] no later than Thursday, September 15th. Please indicate the number of adults and children attending, and if you need a vegetarian option. Parking is free if you are a Poway resident, please show your driver’s license. If not, San Diego Mensa will cover the parking charge, tell the booth guard you are with San Diego Mensa. Dir:25 miles north of San Diego. Take I-15 to Rancho Bernardo Road exit (Exit 24). Go east 2 miles as it curves to the right and becomes Espola Road. Continue on Espola Road for 2.5 miles to Lake Poway Road, turn left. Go all the way to the top of the hill. There will be parking. We will be in the building on the right. 

Orange County Mensa Sunday, September 28  10:45 AM Brunch Buddies. Join us for brunch! We’re back at El Matatan for all their Latin American specialties Please note: Brunch time can often mean wait times. Please RSVP for this event no later than 48 hours before so we know who to wait for before getting a table/reservation. Location: El Matatan 1446 East Katella Ave, Orange. Contact: Valerie Spear, text only please,714-296-8001 or John Olsen, [email protected] if you aren’t into that texting thing.

Southern Nevada Mensa

Saturday Morning Discussion Group has a new location: Doc's Lounge at Skinny Dugan’s Casino & Lounge, 4127 West Charleston Blvd.  Las Vegas, NV 89102 Join Terry and a group of interesting conversationalists at Doc's Lounge at Skinny Dugan’s Casino & Lounge from 9:30am. to 11:30am. (Saturdays, ongoing)

I was in town and had a great time attending this warm and welcoming event hosted by Testing Coordinator Terry Smith and his wife Diana.  When I arrived, the discussion was about unusual license plates. And somehow the conversation segwayed into the existence of alien life.  Asked about possible new chapter events, I brought up the possibility of a tour of Area 51.  Someone also suggested a tour of Area 15.  A Game SIG was mentioned, and a specific Poker SIG was also brought up, ala Richard Lederer’s monthly game in San Diego Mensa.  Hopefully some of these will make their way to becoming actual events.

Mensa Hawaii

Mensa Hawaii is still looking for a few good volunteers! Aloha Members! We need volunteers immediately for the Nomination Committee for the members of our next Mensa Hawai‘i Executive Committee. The election will take place in December. This committee must have at least 3 members. The committee chair will be appointed by the Executive Committee. The only qualification for committee chair and members is that they be current members of Mensa Hawai‘i.

If you would like to volunteer for this committee please email me at [email protected].

We are also still seeking volunteers for the Platinum Pueo Award Committee. This committee will be finding Mensa Hawai‘i members who best fit the award criteria (which has already been established). Please help us find these deserving members by volunteering to chair or be a member of this committee. If you can help please email me at [email protected]

Greater Los Angeles Area Mensa

Sep 25 (4th Thursday) - 5:30-8:00 PM Thursday at Sizzler’s. Join us at the Sizzler’s in Van Nuys located at 7131 Van Nuys Blvd, just south of Sherman Way. There’s plenty of good food, good conversation and convenient parking in the back. We meet just behind the salad bar in front of the windows facing Van Nuys Blvd. RSVP to [email protected] so that we have enough  room for everyone at our table. (SFV)

Tucson Mensa Virtual Book Club - Tucson Mensa’s book for September is The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt.  See the Tucson Mensun for details.

Greater Phoenix Mensa

2nd Wednesday  - ME/P Whine and Dine Happy Hour, 5-7pm Location: Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant 2820 E Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ.  It will be necessary to RSVP Bill Taylor by noon Tuesday, the day before and confirm the event is on the current month’s calendar and to let him know as to whether you are coming or not, so he will be able to make reservations for the actual number attending. [email protected] 

Utah Mensa

September 17, 2025 - Dinner at Siragusa’s Taste of Italy, 4115 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT SLC Area dinner

Channel Islands Mensa

Sunday August 10th, 2-4 PM - An Afternoon with Mensans. Chat, munch, meet old friends, discover new ones at Laura Nanna's house: 541 Alan Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. 805 406-2930 This event has already taken place.  Check with Laura for possible future events.