It was good to see several of you at the World Gathering (WG) in August. More than 2200 people attended the WG. Hospitality was full of people socializing, eating, shopping at the Mensa Boutique, and using the Internet Cafe. Many of the more than 300 programs were so crowded, that people were spilling out into the hallways. The games room and tournaments had great participation. Two of our newest events, The Mensa Foundation Dodgeball Tournament and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, were so successful, that plans are underway to schedule them at future Annual Gatherings (AGs).

Speaking of future AGs, are you one of the more than 400 people who have already registered for Birmingham yet? Central Alabama Mensa will be hosting the 2007 AG in Birmingham, Alabama next July. Registration through the end of the year is only $50. Hospitality will serve breakfast items each morning, one balanced meal each day, one specialty event each day, and plenty of hors d'oeuvres throughout the day. For the health conscious, you'll find plenty of fruits and vegetables. There will be a diverse program of speakers, including members of the Birmingham community and a variety of Mensa speakers. You'll also find Kids Trek, dances, games, tournament, Leadership Development Workshops, and much, much more. Central Alabama Mensa hosted the 1997 AG, and several members of that committee are back to work on next year's AG. I was the Program Chair in 1997, and this time I am the Speaker Logistics Chair. If any of you want to give a program or lead a discussion group at the AG, please let me know. Make sure you check out the official AG website http://www.ag2007.org/ for all the latest information on the AG.

Leading up to the AG we'll have five Regional Gatherings (RGs) in our region. Our Region's fall RG season will kick off with Delaware Valley Mensa's Liberty Bell XVI. Head over to King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, October 13-15, and go "Back and Forth in Time". DVM gives a nod to the various Dr. Whos over the years, and blinks a little at Friday the 13th. Programs Organizer Pat Horsley welcomes you to contact her with questions about the contests.

In November, we'll be going back in time once again. Tidewater and Richmond Mensa welcome you to join them in Williamsburg, Virginia, November 10 - 12, for Mensalot. Mensalot has something for everyone, local tours of the Colonial Williamsburg area, tons of shopping at the local factory outlets, Busch Gardens, and for the thirsty, Budweiser Brewery!

In December, Central Pennsylvania Mensa invites you to join them in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, December 15 - 17, for Winter Solstice. This RG is a relaxing affair in the outlet store capital of Amish Country. You can meet world-renowned Mensans and local friends, old-timers and first-timers, and enjoy the fun bits like the gift exchange, pool party, chocolate orgy, games room, banquet, and more. 

Next March, Central New Jersey Mensa will host Snowball XXXIII in Iselin, New Jersey, March 2 - 4, 2007. They have moved to a new hotel with lots more space. Gamers will appreciate the game room that is twice as big as last year, and on the same floor as hospitality.

Later in the year, Maryland Mensa and Metropolitan Washington Mensa are planning to host a joint RG in April or May. Delaware Mensa hopes to join the RG circuit next September. More information on these gatherings will be available in the near future.

August was a very tough month for the AMC, as two of our members, Secretary Judy Vasiliauskas and Region 9 RVC Henry Miller, resigned for health reasons. Both will be missed, and I wish them both a quick return to better health. The Executive Committee of the AMC has appointed me the Interim Secretary, and the AMC is expected to elect me Secretary at the October meeting. This means my term as RVC will come to a premature end. The AMC is expected to elect a new Region 2 RVC in time for the October meeting, and is considering several candidates. Within a few days of my withdrawing as a RVC candidate for the next election, I'm proud to announce that four members of our region came forward to run for office. I have often said that the membership deserves a choice for every elected position, and I wish each of the candidates the best of luck in the next election.

I am unable to attend the Liberty Bell RG this year since the AMC is meeting in Rhode Island that weekend, but I hope to see many of you at the other upcoming RGs. Please take some time to meet our RVC candidates. Find out what they would like to accomplish, and let them know how they can best represent you.