OK, well so much for that warmer weather I was expecting.  It's still pretty cold out there, but gardeners and homeowners in other parts of the country are starting to report the emergence of crocuses this past week or so.  As of this writing, no such luck in Delaware.  Here's hoping that will change by the time you all read this!

I had a grand old time at Snowball RG, hosted by Central New Jersey Mensa.  Snowball was the first Gathering I ever attended, and I've been hooked ever since.  With over 250 attendees, from as far away as California, you can guess they have the reputation for throwing a heck of a party, and they lived up to it.  I participated in a Candidates' Session on Saturday morning, performed as a Pungo Player in the penultimate performance of their original (but also richly stolen) play Mensalot, and hosted an RVC rap session on Sunday morning, after a meeting to further plan the upcoming Leadership Development Workshop in Virginia, scheduled for this upcoming November. 

Speaking of the Candidates' Session, the elections are coming!  I've been asked to remind you all in this column that the Mensa International elections are held during the same time period as our American Mensa elections.  One major difference between American and International elections is that at the international level candidates may choose to run as a "slate."  You may vote for one or more candidates from a slate without voting for the entire slate.  As an AML member, you may vote for representatives at both levels.  Candidate information will be published in your next Bulletin, and I'm sure any candidate in the running would be happy to hear from you if you have questions or concerns.

Upcoming in our region is M-Counter Intelligence RG on Memorial Day weekend, hosted by Maryland Mensa and Metropolitan Washington Mensa in the heart of America's espionage establishment.  I hope to see you all there!

Also coming up faster than I realized is our Annual Gathering, with a theme of "old Time AG'n" and based on what I saw during my visit to Birmingham in January, what promises to be delightful Southern hospitality.  I had the opportunity to tour the AG hotel after the AMC meeting, and let me tell you, it's beautiful.  More information can be found at http://ag2007.org/.

I heard from several new (or relatively new) members after my last column was published.  I love getting those emails!  Keep them coming!  I can be reached at rvc2@us.mensa.org any time you have questions, concerns, input on the most recent agenda, or just want to say hello.  Region 2 also has a Yahoo! Group where we talk about the business of Region 2, and you're welcome to join us there.

Last but not least, I'd like to leave you with a few questions.  At the January AMC meeting, a committee was formed to study Local Groups, and member satisfaction.  I'd love to hear from all of you what Mensa means to you.  What made you join and keeps you renewing?  What are your favorite activities at the Local Group level?  Do you go to regional events?  National events?  What's the one thing you love most about your membership in Mensa?  Are you one of the faces I'd see if I attended an event in your region?  If not, why not?  What would it take to get you to come on out and attend an event?  Do you read your newsletter and Bulletin from cover to cover?