Congratulations to the Region 3 nominees for the 2009 Publications Recognition Program.  I am pleased to report that the nominations are as follows for Web Sites -- OVERALL ENTERTAINMENT, Cleveland Area Mensa, www.cleveland.us.mensa.org, Roberta Rooney, Webmaster; MEMBER RECRUITMENT, East Central Ohio Mensa, www.ecom.us.mensa.org, Richard DeMattia, Webmaster; "MEMBERS ONLY" SECTION, Western New York Mensa, www.wny.us.mensa.org, Jaclyn McKewan, Webmaster; and for Newsletters --  OVERALL ENTERTAINMENT, MPULSE, Dayton Area Mensa, Pat Reising, Editor; CALENDAR (2!), M-Pathy, Southeast Michigan Mensa, Daniel Biedzen, Calendar Editor and MPULSE, Dayton Area Mensa, Pat Reising, Calendar Editor; OUTSTANDING NEWSLETTER (MEDIUM GROUP), MPULSE, Dayton Area Mensa, Pat Reising, Editor; CONTRIBUTION NOMINEES, POETRY, "Astride the Gale" by Dean Unick, Southeast Michigan Mensa, M-Pathy, November 2008; NON-FICTION (MENSA-RELATED), "From the Branch Office" by Chuck Peacock, Southeast Michigan Mensa, M-Pathy, April 2008.  I hope to report next month that all have become double winners by being chosen the best of the best.  I am cheering for a tie between Daniel Biedzen (my local calendar editor) and Pat Reising, Dayton’s calendar editor. 

On my way home from Michigan’s west coast, I was able to have dinner in Grand Rapids with Ms from Western Michigan Mensa who did not make it to Battle Creek.  My dinner in Traverse City with Northern Michigan Mensa Ms was great, too – fresh perch!  I am looking forward to dinners in Buffalo and Rochester on my way from our AG to Ottawa for the Canadian AG.  I enjoy visiting new restaurants and meeting Ms who are new to me and visiting with Ms I already know. 

I’m confident that the AG was fabulous, but I’ll catch you up on that and  the Columbus RG – Mind, Body and Soul, being held July 31 thru August 1, in my September column.  I’ll be attending the Fall AMC meeting at the end of October in Arlington.  Gosh, I really do dislike the month delay!  In the meantime, I have way too much to read to prepare for my first AMC duties on your behalf.  I sure wish all the stuff I have to read were available on tape or disc so that I could listen while traveling.  Reading and driving don’t mix well for me.

So, let’s have an LDW somewhere in Region 3.  I’m up for suggestions (how to get new and/or younger members active?  If you have them active, how’d you do it?) and a chair.  We haven’t had an LDW in ages, so now’s a great time.  We should be doing these once a year – at least that’s what one of the Handbooks says.  The fiscal year’s up at the end of March, so we have to plan last month. 

Because we have new members joining us all the time, and because I want communication between all of us, I will end my columns with the reminder to visit the Region 3 website – http://www.region3.us.mensa.org/, our Facebook group -- Region 3 - American Mensa – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71515809887, and our Yahoo group – AMR3.Region 3 American Mensa – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AMR3/.  At these 3 sites, you will find updates on what’s happening in this great region and reMARK. 

If you need to reach me, I can be e-mailed at or ; be sure to use Region 3 in the subject line of your e-mail.  My address is 3674 Oak Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, my home phone number is 734-434-5757 and my cell phone number is 313-530-2055.  If you get my voice mail, be sure to let me know when it is best for me to return your call. 

And, before my salutation, I want to explain the “LLAP and Peace” part of it.  I am not a fan of Star Trek.  However, the sentiment conveyed  by Live Long And Prosper (LLAP) and peace is what I wish for everyone reading my column.

LLAP and Peace
Betsy


Thursday, July 2nd @ 7:00 PM, “First Thirstday” at Castaways, 244 Lake Rd. Webster (take Bay Rd. north to Lake Rd., make a left on Lake Rd. and Castaways is about ½ mile down on the right), 323-2943.  Castaways is one of our favorite summer weather stops with good food and potential for a breath taking sunset over the lake from their deck. Note: You may want to bring a sweater or light jacket; we hope to sit outside on their deck, space & weather permitting.

Monday, July 6th @ 7:00 PM, “Dinner with the RVC” at Beale Street Cafe, 689 South Avenue, Rochester, 271-4650.  We hope to have a visit from our new RVC Betsy Mark, who will be in the area following the AG in Pittsburgh.

Wednesday, July 15 @ 7:00 PM, “Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse”, 125 White Spruce Blvd., Brighton, 424-4242. Just off Crittenden Rd., near the 390 ramps for East Henrietta Rd.  Noted for their steaks, they also have a variety of Italian dishes.
http://www.delmonicositaliansteakhouse.com/

Saturday, July 25 th @ 2:00 PM (rain date 24 hours later), “Red Creek Canoe Trip” starting at Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester,  328-3960. Park in the back of the lot to be near the launch point.   See the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, and Red Creek. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, or bring your own favorite paddling craft!  Rentals are $25 for 2 hours, $32 for a half day.  RSVP to George at 527-8529 by July 24 th.  
http://www.geneseewaterways.org/

Tuesday, August 4th @ 6:00 PM, “Dinner with Paulsen, Baker and Garvey” at Tom Wahl’s, 283 East Main St. Avon, 226-2420.  Meet at 6:00 for great burgers and more.  Stay for the free concert in the pavilion out back, 7:00 – 10:00 PM, rain or shine.  Bring a lawn chair, unless you plan to dance all night!  The band’s tight three-part harmonies include music from the Kingston Trio, James Taylor, the country sounds of Waylon and Willie, and great rock and roll from the Beatles to the Eagles.  Lots of good time music. 
http://www.tomwahls.com/   http://www.pbgband.com/

Thursday, August 6th @ 7:00 PM, “First Thirstday” at Marge’s Lakeside Inn, 4909 Culver Road, Irondequoit  (at the end of Route 590 N.), 323-1020.  It’s best to park at the boat launch lot and walk over, as Marge’s parking is limited.  Grab some takeout at Don’s Original Restaurant across the street, and come back to enjoy it with one of Marge’s great drinks. You may want to bring a sweater or light jacket; we hope to sit outside, space & weather permitting.   http://www.margeslakesideinn.com/

Monday, August 17 @ 7:00 PM, “International Food Night” at Sticky Lips Pit Barbecue, 625 Culver Road, Rochester, 288-1910. Good food, good fun.  We may be on the deck upstairs, space and weather permitting. 
http://stickylipsbbq.com/stickylips/menu.html

Thursday, August 27th @ 7:00 PM, “Fold, Staple, & Mutilate Party” (newsletter production), at “The Spot”, 200 East Avenue at Mathews.  Get an early preview of the newsletter while enjoying a variety of beverages and munchies.

Thursday, September 3rd @ 7:00 PM, “First Thirstday” at Rio Tomatlan, 5 Beeman St., Canandaigua, 394-9380.  Exit 44 to Route 332, at the third street past the railroad tracks turn left.  The restaurant is on the right,  a public parking lot is across the street. Authentic Mexican cuisine, 45+ varieties of tequila, wine, and beer. Desserts include Caramel Custard Flan, Pastel Tres Leches, and Choco Flan, a chocolate cake/flan/chocolate fondue delight. Join us for an early start on the Labor Day weekend.  To be followed by a walk along the north end of Canandaigua Lake.  
http://www.riotomatlan.com/

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