October has arrived, and I can feel it in the air. The air is turning brisk, and the leaves are beginning to turn colors. My garden is beginning to go to sleep, with a few exceptions. The Chrysanthemums haven't bloomed yet, and the Gerbera daisies and Marigolds are still going strong. The Rugosa Rose, possibly my favorite plant in the entire yard, will still be in bloom when I sit down to write my next column, barring any major weather events.

It's a busy month! It's been nearly a month now since our Chairman Russ Bakke announced that I would be stepping in to fill Marc's shoes as the RVC for our region. As I'm writing this, I am still Interim RVC; it is expected to be voted in by the full AMC at the meeting in Rhode Island on October 14. I received a stack of paper about two inches thick from the national office in my mail today!

I hope those of you who are at Liberty Bell while I'm in Rhode Island take plenty of photos for those of us who can't make it! For the rest of October, I'll be attending MWM's Election Day Party on October 21, and SuperWeem in Chicago the last weekend of the month.

November 10 brings us to Tidewater and Richmond Mensa's Mensalot, in Williamsburg, VA. Friday night, there's a chili cookoff, and Saturday night, there's a banquet included in the registration fee. The Pungo Players will be performing the play/musical "Mensalot." For those who want to go offsite and sample the local flavor, there will be outings to Jamestown and Williamsburg. I'm going to try to talk my husband into wearing the suit of armor he got married in (we had a Medieval-themed wedding), but he may still be recovering from the last time he wore it.

Central Pennsylvania Mensa will be the RG host for December, with the Winter Solstice gathering, in Lancaster, PA, December 15-17. They invite us to join them to call back the light on the shortest day of the year. Now that's an idea I can get behind. There will be feasts and unparalleled Hospitality, including a Chocolate Orgy. Other things to look forward to include a pool party, an open mike session, and The World's Most Confusing Gift Exchange (bring a $10 wrapped gift).

In 2007, Central New Jersey Mensa will be hosting Snowball XXXIII March 2-4, in Iselin, NJ. Snowball holds a place close to my heart, since it was the first RG I ever attended. Or maybe I should hold a grudge for getting me hooked… Anyway, they're moving to a new hotel this year, with even more space. They'll have an even bigger Hospitality suite this year, with beverages and snacks available from Friday afternoon until noon on Sunday. No program information available yet, but stay tuned as the time draws nearer…

Also in 2007, Metropolitan Washington Mensa and Maryland Mensa will be hosting their RG on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27. More details to follow on that one as it approaches.

Last but not least, I heard a rumor that Delaware Mensa was in the early stages of planning their first RG as well. But you didn't hear it from me…

Leah Kinder
Interim RVC