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September 2006
RVC Thoughts
by
, RVC Region 3
Hello friends, neighbors, and fellow Mensans throughout the region. Having just attended the World Gathering in Orlando, I can say it's good to be back home. Dozens of column writers are probably writing about their experiences there, so I'll keep my comments about it short. With over two thousand attendees, it was quite the gathering. The accommodations were exceptional, the convention center superb (Disney Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center), and the programing varied and well presented. I can only speak for the programs I attended because there were so many and usually more than one at any given time. Quite impossible to see them all. My personal favorite was entitled "Great Lakes Lighthouses", a local subject and one holding great interest to me. While I am well read on the subject, I didn't realize some were converted into bed and breakfast, another into a youth hostel, and others offering accommodation in exchange for labor to upkeep them. You never stop learning. Also very rewarding was meeting international Mensans; the globe was well represented. The only draw back was, as I feared, the tropical climate. Devil's Island, the Panama Canal Zone, and the Mayan Jungles, all came to mind whenever I stepped outside. May be great in December, but Orlando in August is flat out oppressive. But I'm sure there are good points to it like......?
Before I forget again, I would very much like to congratulate two friends of mine, fellow local board members, and all around active WNY Mensans Jaclyn and Dave McKewan, who were married in July. Dave is my local treasurer and Jaclyn a member at large and web master. Mensa does bring people together in a positive way.
Congratulations are also in order for the following regional members and their editors who won Special Mention in the Publications Recognition Program (PRP): Jim Szirony, Cleveland, CAM Kids articles, Sally Yocum, Columbus, Limericks poetry, Ferron Talobe, Cleveland, Fifty Years in Rio, humor, Tony Homminga, West Michigan, Wednesday Afternoon in the Patagonian Andes, Sans Island, artwork. Congratulations are also in order for the Hexagone Crazy Culture Quest Team, Cincinnati, which came in 15th nationally. For those of you who have never participated in Culture Quest, you walk away from it thinking that your group is going to be dead last - it is that challenging. Well done all, your efforts and contributions are noticed and appreciated!
In my travels (I drove to the WG) I heard a phrase which while never hearing it expressed quite in those words, summarized one of my core beliefs. An older waitress was behind the counter of a Waffle House filling a basket with sugar, sweet and lo, and other packets when she dropped it. Her coworker exclaimed "What a mess!" to which the older waitress replied "Don't sweat the little stuff!" and promptly tidied up and was back on track in less than a minute, unagitated and not rattled in the least. Had I heard that phrase before I wrote last month's comments on civility, I would have included it. When it comes to life's trying moments, especially when dealing with fellow Mensans, "Don't sweat the little stuff", get on with the important tasks at hand.
Speaking of important tasks at hand, National Mensan elections take place early next year. This statement is aimed at you who are long time Mensans, but barely active or perhaps not active at all. If you do nothing else next year, vote! Get your money's worth and take a minute to select candidates. If you know and like a candidate's platform, try to vote them in. If you dislike or disagree with it, vote them out. If you don't know either way and are totally unfamiliar with the topics, educate yourself with them or at least vote according to your default methods. Everyone has a default method of voting when they don't know the candidates- looks, sound of name, reminds you of someone, whatever. Follow the election in the Mensa Bulletin and when the time comes, execute your right to be heard and vote.
Yes, I will be running for RVC3. This is not a paid political advertisement. The most important item I can bring to the table is an upfront honesty to represent you and protect our local groups. Vote as you wish, but vote. Please be fair though, and if you have an item of concern, bring it to my attention for action before condemning me for doing nothing.
Thank you all for your cooperation so far. I've met some of you at the Columbus RG and at the WG, and will meet more at the Pittsburgh, East Central Ohio, and Cincinnati RGs. For the vast majority of you who do not attend the gatherings, get to know me through my columns or contact me directly with any questions or concerns you have. Hope to hear from you soon.
Dave Swanka
Page last updated:
12/26/2006
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