Now spring has truly sprung, and by the time most of you read this, it will nearly be summer. The back yard is alive with sprouts and blossoms, and we did a major expansion to the raised beds in the vegetable garden last fall, so the new ones are being planted for the first time this year. So far in the new section, we've got blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and asparagus. Other big projects scheduled for this summer: a pergola, a pond, and a greenhouse.

Around the region, life goes on. Preparations are in the works for the next round of Regional Gatherings in several groups. Since I last wrote, I've approved bulletin listings for Delaware Valley Mensa's Liberty Bell in October, Central Pennsylvania Mensa's Winter Solstice in December, and Central New Jersey Mensa's Snowball in March. You can find a list of upcoming gatherings in the bulletin or on the website. If you've never been to one, why not give it a try? I remember I was so nervous before I went to my first gathering, and I had an absolute BLAST! And when you register this far in advance, you can save a good bit on your registration costs.

Speaking of gatherings, I wonder how many of you I'll see at the Annual Gathering in Birmingham, AL in July. As I wrote in an earlier column, I got to experience the hosting group's legendary hospitality firsthand when they hosted the American Mensa Committee's January meeting. They've been making the preparations, finalizing the program, and taking care of all the million little details that come together for an event like this. The theme this year is "Give Me That Old Time AG'n" and I hope you'll come out and support their efforts.

Plans are ongoing for our November Leadership Development Workshop. If you've ever thought about increasing your leadership skills, getting more involved with Mensa as anything from an event host to a local group officer to a national officer, this is a great place to come to get ideas, network with other Mensans in our region, and share what you already know. Registration is free, and some meals are provided.

The results of the national elections will be announced in early June, so be sure to keep an eye out. If you think the outgoing officers did a good job, why not let them know? For that matter, what about in your own local group? We're a volunteer-driven organization, and anyone who has ever been a volunteer can tell you it's sometimes a thankless job. Look around you if you get a chance, and thank your event hosts, your local group officers, your webmaster and newsletter editors, and the others who make your Mensa experience what it is. Back to the subject of the AG, it's a great place to meet your new AMC representatives as well, if you can take time away from the programs, the food, the games room, the off-site tours…

And last but not least, here's a thank you from me to all of you for helping make *my* Mensa experience what it is.

Leah Kinder
RVC2

--
"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."  --Margaret Atwood