Terminology

With spring, come the preparations for the new elections.  My thanks go out to the local groups for their high percentage of volunteers for the Nominating Committee; we had one of the quickest, highest percentages of local groups that appointed someone to the NomCom.  The Nominating Committee meets first in July, and that is the beginning of the campaigning.  If you are at the Annual Gathering in Las Vegas, then you will get a chance to meet the early candidates.  We have a two-tier election policy, remember, first self-nomination, followed by petition.  If someone is interested in running for office, then they may self-nominate themselves by November, beyond that it requires a petition with 50 signatures for March of the following year.  The reason for the process is to minimize politicking, keeping such things as mud slinging to a minimum.  There are 5 “national” offices and the 10 Regional Vice Chairs, we are Region 2, remember.  We are very confident that the required number of proxies has been cast, so that a simple recording of that fact at the Annual Business Meeting will allow us to carry on an election.  Remember, the reason for all this is electronic balloting, so be ready to vote, for that is your right and your privilege.

 The minutes of the AMC meeting have been made available.  The committee accepted the recommendations of the SIGs Advisory Committee, and we are ready to move forward.  The first major changes that we are seeing because of Risk Management are the courses that are being put together for food preparation.  There is much concern about improper food preparation, purchase, and spoilage.  Courses have been designed in the subject, and I believe, Tom Tyson of Thomas Jefferson will be presenting one at the AG in July.  Reason is the order of the day, if you see that jar of mayonnaise sitting out; when the Chocolate Orgy starts at midnight, put it in the refrigerator, if it has not already turned!  The next big item will be modifying how American Mensa deals with SIGs. They are now considered a member benefit, and some minor modifications in how they are run will be taking place.  The point is, we have business as usual, we are self-policing, and having as much fun as we possibly can, without doing anyone harm.

 There is a hiatus for the summer for RGs. Those who are going to the Annual Gathering should make their reservations now.  The Paris Las Vegas bookings are full, and there is overflow into the Bally Hotel that is connected by a shopping mall.  The program is filling up; the committee is doing an excellent job.  See y’all in Vegas, if not sooner.