Calendar Notes |
Many newer members have inquired recently about some of our activities. So
some explanations are in order.
Events are placed into three categories: normal Mensa events designated by
the M, official events designated by the O, and events that are not Mensa events
as such, but of interest to many Mensans designated by the E. The difference
between a normal and official event is that an official event has priority and
no other events are scheduled at the same time. Naturally this would not apply
if, for example, an event were taking place in Flagstaff and another one in
Phoenix. Common sense prevails. The “E” events are listed when experience
shows that they of interest to Mensans.
Many activities are held at someone’s home and people attending are asked
to make a small donation to defray the cost of the event for the host. This
“kitty,” or place to put the donation, is called the OWL.
At the beginning of the Calendar is a list of abbreviations and acronyms used
in the calendar event descriptions. Smoking at Mensa events is becoming very
uncommon. So even if an event is not designated one way or the other, the
best assumption is that smoking is not desired around others and especially
indoors. Some events are now designated as “no smoking indoors or out.” That
simply means that the host requests that people not slip outdoors and smoke.
PTA is a humorous acronym for “Phoenix Temperance Association.” It is actually
a happy hour event held once a week on Wednesday and, yes, you may certainly
imbibe in moderation if you wish. Its companion event held every Thursday,
Burger Madness is similar.
The Forum is held once a month and features a speaker and questions and discussion.
Right afterwards is a social event nearby called the Debriefing where people
can discuss the forum topic further over something to eat and drink.
Sun City, Sunday Brunch, and the Dine Out are all opportunities for people
to get together and enjoy each other’s company over food and drink.
Games Night is great way to get involved without getting overwhelmed. A
variety of games are provided for you to enjoy or you can bring one of your
own. Conversation can easily center around the game, so you don’t have to worry
about getting tongue-tied or trying to think up something to say. Don’t like
playing games? This evening is so casual, you can just come and sit and watch
others play games or sit and chat with the others who don’t feel like playing
games either.
A new event is the Classical Music SIG start-up. For those of you who are
music lovers, you now have two choices of where to go to enjoy good music and
spend time with others with similar interests.
One very enjoyable event held every month is FSM, or "Fold Staple and
Mutilate." It is a party where the MAAM newsletter is collated, stapled,
and addressed. The host or hostess always has some good goodies for the group
to munch on as they work away. Leigh Butler has promised us some good snacks.
FSM starts at 6:00 p.m., but it is fine to be late. We can always use your
help. It is a fun event that takes about two or three hours, but if you have
something else to get to, it is fine to leave early.
Calendar Entries need to be in to me by the 12th of the month, so that I can
get the Calendar to Glenn on the 13th. If you are planning an event that also
has a write up in the MAAM, please send the Calendar Entry to me by the 12th
and your article to Glenn by the 13th. Please note that my phone number has
changed to (602) 279-0096. Please be sure to confirm even the events that normally
happen, especially if there is a holiday weekend the same date as your event.
Did Something Get Left Out?
If you didn’t get your entry in to the Calendar and want to be sure that people
know about it, you can e-mail Mike Johnson <mikejohnson@home.com> for
him to add it to his weekly e-mail reminders. The information won’t reach quite
as many people, but it will get to some.
The necessary stuff:
All MAAM submissions for the November 2001 issue must be received by 8 p.m.
on Friday, October 12. Submissions by e-mail need to be in plain text, not
as an attached file.
Send Calendar entries to Joni Pourchot by one of the following means:
All other stuff (announcements, letters, articles, etc.) should be sent to Glenn Case:
Have a great month,
Joni