"Phull Mensa" Fills MLK Holiday Weekend |
(reprinted from Channel M: Channel Islands Mensa)
Greater Phoenix Mensa has long been known for its fantastic Phoenix Phiesta Regional Gatherings (RGs) and number 20 was no exception. Held for many years on Thanksgiving weekend, this year the event was moved to the January 15-18 weekend, where warm weather was a real bonus and excellent speakers were available to lead more than 30 workshops.
Keynote speaker was Steve Benson, a political cartoonist for the Arizona Republic. Possessed with uncommon wit and satire, Steve has earned the title "Equal Opportunity Offender", and claims that one of his favorite daily activities is reading his hate mail! Equally colorful was Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who entertained the group on Friday night with tales of his unconventional leadership in the criminal justice system.
Program chair Pat Edwards took advantage of our proximity to Arizona State University by recruiting speakers from their staff, as well as the local business community. As a veteran RG-goer, I felt this was one of the best programs I’d attended, with both quality and variety. Sessions I chose included Venture Capital, Live Forever, Y2K Problems, Books Worth Collecting, Critical Thinking, Your Gambling Odds, Liberty Wildlife (with live animals on display), and the Spirituality of Sex.
But serious discussion was offset, as usual, by many opportunities for fun and games with our fellow Mensans. A Trivia quiz conducted by Ted Elzinga of Inland Empire Mensa started the fun, succeeded by a first-time belly dancer, a Saturday-night joke-off, numerous sessions in the hot tub, and a hot and heavy MERF auction, raising funds for Mensa’s research and scholarship programs.
RGs can be a wonderful way to make new friends. Because my daughter lives in Phoenix, I wanted to get acquainted with local members there, and the size (100-200 attendees) and friendliness of the group made this easy to accomplish. I was happy to see Marilyn Miller from our Channel Islands Mensa, and other familiar faces from throughout Region IX.
This was also one of the most economical RGs I’ve attended. With a plane fare of only $88, hotel room at $59 a night, and registration of $60, this was a bargain weekend, enhanced by the efforts of the local committee, who provided us with all meals and snacks for no extra charge!
Kudos to Pat Edwards, Leigh Butler, Alan an Ursula Gore, and all those who labored behind the scenes to make this RG an excellent experience. Readers, whether you are RG virgins or veterans, watch your calendars for next year’s Phoenix Phiesta: bound to be a winner!