MAINESCENE Year 9, Issue 1 The Newsletter of Maine Mensa Winter 2017-2018 newsletter. (Insider tip: Bring containers for any leftovers from the massive Saturday dinner buffet-to take some From the LocSec home.) Anne W. Allen I am going to be a presenter at this year’s RG. I will be teaching Mah-jongg. I learned it from my sister a few years ago-and it is an awesome, diverse, always challenging game. This is my first time offering a presentation, and I The Spring will be a busy one for those who want to am excited. Look for it listed in the Program nearer to the participate in Mensa Events. We will have the opportunity date of the RG. (OPPORTUNITY!) to go to the NH Regional Gathering What do you ‘get’ at the NH RG? You ‘get’ to mingle in February. March is always pay-your-dues-month for me. with about 100-130 local Mensans – usually from RI, MA, In April we will participate in Culture Quest, and then our NH, and Maine. You ‘get’ non-stop food and drink (as in own mini-RG in Portland. May will bring the Cape Cod unlimited beer, wine, spirits, etc.). You ‘get’ to play games, mini-RG. I plan on attending all of these events – in 2018. have the kids do crafts, swim in the pool, maybe have a You should try to make a plan NOW to set aside some Hot Tub Tiara Party (aka http for you nerds). The speakers time for at least ONE of these for yourself. change every year. The topics range from travel, or

supernatural, or books, or astrology- who knows. All free

with your one- time registration. It would be great for all of you to try it at least one year. This type of event will not get any better or any closer to us than the NH Regional Gathering – see you there!

New Hampshire Regional Gathering – Mind Games Bid for 2019 February 16-18: A Must-attend event! Well we didn’t get the Mind Games Bid to host in 2019, This year’s theme is SILLY WALKS – so plan on seeing a but we were up against 6 other bids. It is good to see that lot of Monty Python themed movies and events. this has gotten to be a very well attended National Event. We in Maine have the opportunity (OPPORTUNITY!) to Your ExComm will decide on a yearly basis – whether to attend a long-running, highly-attended, super-fun-for-the- bid for 2020 and going forward from there. We would whole-family, full-blown Regional Gathering – within really like to bring it nearer to you in Maine, but maybe a driving distance. The rooms are 88.00 per night! All your location in NH or MA might be the closest we can get for (adult registration) food, drink, entertainment, etc. is only you. Even then, it will be drivable, and for the value, it is 80.00 for the whole weekend from Friday at 3pm to one of the most affordable National Events available. Sunday noon. The registration form is included in this

Newsletter 1 Member Dues and Where Do They Go

By Trevor S. Mitchell, Acting Executive Director, Executive Committee American Mensa

LocSec Anne W. Allen (207) 577-6362 I would like to take a moment and clarify a few things [email protected] based on what has been discussed on this list so far Asst LocSec & Sight so that you have the current facts. Coordinator Susan Flaherty (207) 210-0657 [email protected] • Items regarding staffing: Treasurer Gerald Nessmann (207) 564-7875 o The Executive Director is hired by the AMC and is [email protected] accountable to them for the duration of that Publications & agreement. The Executive Director has responsibility Robert S. Lagos (207) 846-3063 Editor and authority for the rest of the national office staff. [email protected] Any personal issues for the Executive Director are Program Chair Jim Sloan (207) 807-8594 [email protected] addressed through the Chair and AMC with all other At Large & Membership staff addressed through the Executive Director. Coordinator Leona Prodouz (207) 710-9072 o Of the staff listed on the website, two are focused [email protected] directly on the work of the foundation, two are Ombudsman Kat Masters (207) 233-5222 contractors that have a position title to carry out their [email protected] function, but we do not pay benefits on these two. Region 1 RVC Lisa Maxwell (617) 335-1484 o As part of our administrative agreement with the [email protected] Foundation, we receive income from the Foundation to

cover those two dedicated staff as well as a portion of hours that the rest of the staff contributes to direct Mensa Foundation foundation programs such as scholarships, the MRJ, Scholarship Program 2018 Colloquium, etc. o The largest expense that organizations of our type By Chance Griffeth have are in the salaries and benefits line of the budget. The next round of the Mensa Foundation's annual What you are seeing is not out of the norm when we scholarship program is well underway. Applicants look at other organizations of similar membership and have until January 15th to submit a 550 word essay revenue size. It is reviewed annually by the Finance that outlines their academic/professional committee regarding the overall amount and what goals. After the deadline, our local Maine Mensa goes into it. members volunteer their time to read and score the • Outside Contracts – as mentioned by a few essays. Then I submit the best applicants in 15 different scholarship categories to the Region 1 people, these funds are set aside for specific scholarship chair for the next round of purposes. John provided one example of our election judging. The process completes with a third round process. Another would be the mailing house we use at the national level. In June, essay winners are during the renewal period to handle the collating, announced for one of 27 awards ranging from $500 stuffing, and mailing of the renewal statements. There to $2500. There are also regional and local are others in specific areas throughout the budget awards. This means that each year, at least one of areas. Each one is designated for a specific, short- our applicants will get a scholarship. If you are term purpose to provide a specific deliverable to interested in being a scholarship judge please send address a need. These agreements are reviewed me an email. For more information about the annually (or near the end of each agreement) to Mensa Foundation's scholarship program, go ensure that we are maximizing the dollars we spend to: http://www.mensafoundation.org/what-we- and getting the results that we need. Using outside do/scholarships/ contractors also allows us to engage with a specific

Chance Griffeth resource and skill set for that short-term need instead Scholarship Chair of looking at hiring staff on to handle it that would incur Maine Mensa additional expenses with benefits. [email protected] (Continued on page 8)

Newsletter 2 Why would smart people engage in an extreme sport? by John Gobel, Maine Mensan, Gorham, Maine

Since you're flying with an open parachute at all times, It's been said that jumping out of an airplane that isn't on engine failure is not a problem. Well, not a big problem. fire makes no sense. Well, people do it anyway. If all goes When all goes unintentionally quiet, you float down gently well, they land on the ground. And if that goes well, they and under control, picking out a nice field or worst case, walk away. And then repeat the process. soft trees for your inevitable rendezvous with terra firma.

And you hope it's not too firma. But 99% of the time, you After years of thinking, we improved on that rather banal can walk away from it with only your pride being seriously activity. Why not start on the ground, and then go up hurt. high?

It only takes about 4 to 6 hours of lessons from an FAA Using my gift for reducing complexity to its absurd certified flight instructor with PPC rating to learn to safely minimum, this is how powered parachuting was invented. operate the machine. Single seat PPCs do not require an By the way, it's also been suggested by many that I return FAA license, but two-seaters need a Sport Pilot license - that gift and exchange it for a nice sweater. that can be obtained with 10 hours of instruction and a

written . So let me describe what a powered parachute is. Take a parachute that always works, attach it to a seat with We have about 50 powered parachute enthusiasts wheels, put a small engine with a propeller behind it, and throughout Maine - most belong to the Maine Powerchute you solved the problem. Sit in the seat, close your eyes, Association. We get together about 10 to 12 times a year, push the little thingy that makes the engine make lots of all through the year, to fly, to socialize, to tell lies, tell jokes, noise, and you go up in the sky. As high as you want! relate close calls, and to laugh a lot. While our fly-ins are When the engine goes quiet, or your fanny goes numb, family affairs, all our pilots are males at this time - we're you come back to the same place you left. Preferably. eager to have a woman fly with us! Sometimes some other place, but then you may not be greeted with the same enthusiasm that the Parisians To see these machines in action, see our web site bestowed on Lindbergh. www.mainepowerchutes.com. Click on the "Annual

Highlight Videos" tab on the left. On this site, you can also Although a powered parachute is a simple machine, it is read our irreverent Newsletters which come out every two nevertheless an aircraft. As such, it can kill you. But months or so. Our flying schedule is also there, and anyone unlike other aircraft, it can just barely kill you. What's the is welcome to come to any of the meets - we will gladly difference? The powered parachute (PPC for short) flies give you an introductory ride. However, being Mensans, so slowly, 26 to 30 miles per hour is the top speed, that you may very logically come to the conclusion that unless to die, you really have to do stupid things like fly into a drinks are served and movies are shown on board, this may solid object. Buildings, for example. Cleaning the gene not be what flying is all about. But if that adventure lobe pool? in your big brain is whispering sweet nothings to your soul,

come and have a blast with us!

Newsletter 3

C ALENDAR OF E VENTS C ALENDAR OF E VENTS

W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8

MONTHLY TRIVIA NIGHTS: OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS IN NEW :

Trivia in Biddeford Cowbell Burger Bar, 140 Main Street, Biddeford, February 16-18: NHRG: Silly Walks to the End of the Universe Maine: Tuesday, 6:30-9:30pm (Trivia starts at 7:30) Every second Tuesday of the month. Best Western Plus Hotel and Suites, Portsmouth, NH

This is the super great Brain Busting Trivia with Joe. There will be games, tournaments, crafts, speakers, Very good worthy trivia. puzzles, and, of course, hospitality. Lots of great burgers, tacos, sides, and local brews Contact: Deb Stone, [email protected], (603) from the bar. Contact: Anne Allen (207) 577-6362 or 856-3095. Sue Flaherty, (207) 210-0657, [email protected]. *****************************************

OTHER MONTHLY EVENTS: Next Quarterly ExComm Meeting: Sunday, March 11 2018, 2:00 pm Downeast Maine Mensa Dine-Arounds On the Border Restaurant, Maine Mall, South Portland Fourth Thursday of Every Month, 6:00 - 8:00 PM Inquire for details; restaurants in the Ellsworth area ***************************************** which will vary in food, ambience, and price.

Contact Steve Weinreich and Linda Hayward at AREA COORDINATORS [email protected] to be placed on email list.

MID-MAINE (Lewiston/Brunswick) Anne Allen Mensa Movie Super Tuesday [email protected] (207) 577-6362 Second Tuesday of the Month, $5 admission. GREATER PORTLAND Susan Flaherty Nickelodeon, Monument Square, Portland [email protected] (207) 210-0657 Contact: Jim Sloan, (207) 807-8594, [email protected]. BANGOR & SOUTHERN MAINE Vacant

M & I Dinner 2017 Mensa, and I.S.P.E. Dinner Great (Oriental) Buffet, 4th Fridays of the Month Newington, NH RSVP Host Walter Wakefield (603) 436-7250.

OTHER LOCAL EVENTS:

Maine Mini RG 2018!!

April 27-29 2018 Clarion Hotel, Portland We are back at the Clarion in Portland for a third time! We will have gaming, hospitality, and other activities TBD! Contact Anne Allen for more information: (207) 577-6362, [email protected].

Newsletter 4

Puzzle: The Unscrambler By Rob Lagos

Instructions: Use the clue in column 1 to fill in the 2nd column in the table and find the associated scrambled name from column 3 in the correct row to guide you. Fill in column 4 in that same row with the associated number from column 2. (This is a column match.) The number of words in the scrambled names reflect the number of words in the unscrambled name, but not necessarily the number of letters in each word. Two of the person names are last name only. (Partial solution below.)

2. Person or event or thing 3. Name of person or 4. number tying 1. Clue associated with clue on left event or thing 2nd column with scrambled 3rd column 1605 1 Sar Kopras Telescope 1610 2 Gray Rinugia Calculus 1675 3 Bowis Oluren Flash 1752 4 Loman Senalden Planet 1781 5 Nalpod Egypt 1799 6 Vici Chart Glits Message 1844 7 Ranshin Hairs California 1848 8 Tailinaus Hospital 1854 9 Tongreen Purchase 1867 10 Gala Nutrin Bulb 1879 11 Bosev Jest France 1889 12 Zeblini X-Ray 1895 13 Aligel Loiglaile Radioactive 1898 14 Proodwept Lung Sunk 1915 15 Jabmen Linkirfann Computers 1936 16 Chillimale Shrew Invaded 1939 17 Tosser Teaton Bus 1955 18 Rouse Lemmas Spaceman 1961 19 Slurd Hog Discrimination 1964 20 Caime Irrue Assassin 1968 21 Kalasa Test-tube 1978 22 Homeast Onsid Free 1990 23 Canignore Flightleen Phone 2007 24 Forte Fewlie

Newsletter 5 Event Photos

New Mensan Dinner, Topsham, Maine, November 18, 2017

Mensa regulars Anne Allen, Chance Griffeth, and Rob Lagos honor Mensa newbies JD Campbell, Azmo Rinsler, and their family and friends.

Tiara Party at Wicked Good Boston RG - Oct 28-2017 at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, MA

Newsletter 6 Region 1 Roundup effect (whichever term your group uses). by Ian Randal Strock, Region 1 RVC Secondarily, it would be a good idea to (Written November 29, 2017) familiarize yourself with the bylaws of American Mensa (which include the minimum standards bylaws that are automatically a part of Much of what I would probably write about in every local group’s bylaws). This also dovetails this column will be happening in the next with a suggestion I made a few months ago: as couple of days. I’m writing this a day early you’re reading through your bylaws, etc., make because tomorrow I’m leaving for Houston, note of all the deadlines spelled out in them Texas, and the AMC meeting this weekend. On (deadline to appoint a nominating/election the agenda are several appointments and committee, month during which an annual presentations, as well as the report of the business meeting must be held, requirement for Transition Committee (which I mentioned last an audit, and so on), and keep that calendar of month) giving us guidance on how to proceed deadlines handy as you transact your local as we seek a new Executive Director for group’s business. Knowing what’s coming in American Mensa. the next few months is much easier than scrambling about to catch up with a missed Something new that will be appearing on our deadline. agenda is a discussion of Mensa success stories. Several of our National Representatives Remember, the newsletters (and calendars) from (the representatives of American Mensa on the your nearby local groups are available to you on International Board of Directors: our the Mensa web site (from the main us.mensa.org Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairmen, web site, pull down the “Read” tab and click on and Treasurer) are quite taken with this feature “Local Group newsletters”), and I urge you to of the International Board meetings, in which share your events with those surrounding members discuss successes they’ve had at groups’ calendar editors. Keep up to date with home, so that others might emulate them. For the latest goings on in the region in Region 1’s future iterations, I urge you all to consider what Facebook group: has gone well in your local group, and please https://www.facebook.com/groups/1881804940 share it with me. The concept is to find things 45/ that have worked well, that have improved the Mensa experience for the members, and share The upcoming Region 1 Regional Gathering is those projects/efforts/successes with other New Hampshire Mensa’s Silly Walks to the End groups that can copy—or even improve on— of the Universe in Portsmouth, New Hampshire them. (February 16-18, 2018): see http://www.nh.us.mensa.org/rgnews.php/ or News from around the Region: This month, I’ve https://www.facebook.com/groups/9254346439 granted a local group approval for a variance 0/ from their own bylaws. This is the second time I’ve had to do something like this since I took And registration and hotel reservations are now office in July. In neither case were the local open for next summer’s Annual Gathering, in groups in danger of falling apart, or acting in Indianapolis. For all the details, and to join ways contrary to the continued health of the American Mensa’s big annual get-together, see group or of Mensa. But I’m using the incidents http://ag.us.mensa.org/ to urge—in the strongest manner possible—that all local group officers and volunteers —Ian Randal Strock (especially those first taking office) make it 917-755-6935 your first priority to read (and understand) your [email protected] local group’s bylaws, along with any continuing resolutions, standing motions, or actions still in

Newsletter 7 Member Dues and Where They Go continued

• Banking Fees – As was pointed out, for every I do realize that this may open more questions than transaction that occurs in our system (either online it answers. It's important that we are working with or by staff) a fee is charged. For credit card facts and data on this matter and not assumptions. transactions this is about 2.5% - 3% based on the There is probably going to be some that don’t agree credit card type (Visa, MasterCard, with the calculations decisions or information, and AmericanExpress) and any fees for processing that is perfectly acceptable. I do encourage that if checks through the bank during the renewal period. you have more specific questions that you direct Since the credit card fee is a percentage, we will them to Deb Stone as Treasurer of the AMC and see an increase in what amount that is when Chair of the Budget and Finance committee. I also someone purchases a 3, 5 or Life membership or encourage you to check out the Budget Webinar purchases an AG registration. These fees are for that was done this spring, before the budget going any transaction, not just membership processing. In to the AMC for approval. You can find it here - the last year, we’ve reviewed our credit card https://www.us.mensa.org/lead/amc/amc-webinars/. payment processor and bank to ensure we are getting the best rate possible to minimize these Thank you for taking a vested interest in the fees. organization and asking the questions. Also, thank you to those current and former AMC members • Member Dues and where do they go: who have been providing some insight and o The Direct Costs of $40.45 are allocated out of background on the budget to this group. each member dues payment: ▪ $10.20 goes to the local group directly with an additional $1 added for New members or prior year Trevor S. Mitchell, MBA, CAE lapsed members who return. Acting Executive Director ▪ $10.53 go to printing and postage of the Bulletin dt. 817.607.5521 for the year. www.americanmensa.org ▪ 7% or ($5.53 for annual membership rate of $79 and this adjusts based on what dues prices they pay for 3, 5, and Life) goes to Mensa International. ▪ $2.41 goes to the printing of the membership A like-minded community, rich with intellectual and card. social opportunities. ▪ $2.30 (3% estimated) for CC transaction fees. ▪ $9.48 Staff processing of payments, new member cards, etc. o We also look at the specific programs and what expenses they have that go to directly support Partial solution to “Unscrambler” puzzle: members such as time and resources that go into Column Column Column Column the creation of each bulletin issues, the national 2 4 2 4 election, Gifted Youth program, local group support, 1 14 13 9 and AMC governance items to name a few. It’s 2 13 14 20 been determined that approximately $17 is used for 3 12 15 8 each member for various programs. 4 15 16 10 o The calculation is that the annual cost to serve 5 16 17 5 an individual member is $57.45. 6 17 18 1 7 18 19 2 o The rest is used on various items such as 8 19 20 6 marketing, administration, as well as the other 9 23 21 7 programs that don’t have a direct support to 10 21 22 3 members. 11 22 23 4 o These breakdowns and calculations are 12 24 24 11 reviewed each year as part of the budget process.

Newsletter 8 Maine Mensa Ex-Comm Meeting Saturday, December 9, 2017 Proctorship and Testing: Three are officially proctors: Anne, Chance, and Type of meeting: Executive Committee Meeting Brandon; 2 are in proctors-in-training: Jason House The meeting was held at Ruby Tuesday, 58 Stephen and Jen Maher. King Dr., Augusta, Maine. Anne considered the idea of donating $25 to the Westbrook Library for allowing the space for Mensa Officers present: Anne Allen (LocSec); Robert S. testing. Kevin suggested that writing a thank you note Lagos (Editor and Publications Officer); Gerald would be more effective, and all were in agreement, so Nessmann (Treasurer); this will be done. Officers not present: Sue Flaherty (Assistant LocSec); Leona Prodouz (At Large and Membership Scholarships Coordinator); Jim Sloan (Program Chair); Kathryn Chance will submit a letter to MaineScene pertaining Masters (Ombudsman). to this year’s MERF (Mensa Education and Research Also present: Chance Stevens-Griffeth, Scholarship Foundation) scholarship program. The deadline for Chair; Kevin Tremblay; JD Campbell. entries is January 15, after which judging will commence, and volunteers will be recruited for this. Minutes recorded by Rob Lagos $600 is now the minimum first prize award in the local scholarship competition, which is managed by MERF. The meeting was called to order at 5:33 pm. Next Spring, Chance will submit a proposal at the next ExComm meeting for self-funding to provide a Old Business. scholarship award of our own. He is thinking of using the GoFundMe site to raise the funds. Anne Minutes of last Meeting: suggested that it be written up and sent out to review The minutes to the last meeting of September 10, 2017 prior to when we meet. were approved. Maine Mini-RG 2018: New Business. We have a signed contract with Clarion Hotel for April 26-29 of 2018. Because they are no longer Mind Games allowing food of our own in the conference room we There were 7 bids. East Central Ohio Mensa won the will probably not use them for future mini RG’s. JD bid. We had mixed feedback. It has been suggested made a suggestion of Homeland Suites. that if we host an AMC meeting it may enhance our chances of being selected especially being that many Elections 2018: from the North East are in that committee such as The next Maine Mensa elections will be in 2018. Anne Deb Stone, Lisa Maxwell, Lori Norris, and Ian Strock. intends not to run for another term as LocSec in 2018. Anne would be interested in being appointed to the WE HAVE ASKED ANNE TO GET A COPY OF vacant Testing Chair position. It was reported that THE BIDS SUBMITTED THIS YEAR, AS WELL Sue also does not intend to run as Assistant LocSec. AS THE MINUTES FROM THE SITE Robert had suggested that if we need candidates next SELECTION COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS. year, an email can be sent out announcing the open BUT THE FEELING IS THAT, DUE TO THE positions and responsibilities and descriptions. This PERCEIVED COST OF FLYING INTO would not be done until the Spring, as the elections do PORTLAND, AS WELL AS THE PERCEIVED not happen until after September 2018. However, JD FEELING (NO DATA TO SUPPORT) THAT indicated interest in the LocSec position, and Kevin THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH NON-STOP indicated interest for the Assistant LocSec position. FLIGHTS FROM ALL THE MIND GAME ATTENDEES’ HOME AIRPORTS, WE MAY NEVER BE AWARDED THE MIND GAMES BID 7:00 pm: Meeting was adjourned. IN THE FUTURE – NO MATTER WHAT WE PRESENT FOR PRICES, MEALS, AND REGISTRATION FEES.

Newsletter 9

Newsletter 10

Acknowledgement:

Maine Mensa I wish to, once again, express gratitude to Gerald Nessmann and the Austin Law Offices of Dexter, [email protected] Maine, for the fine quality hard-copy preparation,

Phone (207) 577-6362 printing, and distribution of the newsletter.

Maine Mensa on the Web

Mensa is an international organization of Visit our web pages, and drop us a line! people with an IQ at or above the 98th percentile. Regional page: region1.us.mensa.org Mensa provides a forum for intellectual exchange among members. Its activities include the exchange of Maine Mensa page: www.maine.us.mensa.org ideas by lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest Facebook: groups, and local, regional, national, and international www.facebook.com/groups/417598975112430/43 gatherings. Mensa does not hold any opinions, or have, 8441466361514/ or express, any political or religious views. Opinions www.facebook.com/MaineMensa/ expressed herein are those of the individual contributors and of the editor and not of American Mensa Ltd or of National Web Site: www.us.mensa.org

Maine Mensa. For more information go to the web site: http:// www.us.mensa.org. The MaineScene is a free publication for members of Maine Mensa #01/040.

Newsletter 11