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I just heard an old story from my uncle from the old neighborhood (in New Jersey). A man has a vintage Corvette that he keeps in mint condition. One day, he finds it is gone. After some searching, he finds the car out in the country, all smashed up. He hires a mechanic friend to fix it up, and finally, after much time, expense and effort, it is back in its original condition. He is warned by some friends that it would not be wise to keep the car, but, he does, because it is his pride and joy. Sure enough, he wakes up one morning, to find it missing. This time it takes less time to find the car, but once again, it is out in the country, all smashed up. Is there a moral? Not really, for it is just an observation on the state of mankind.

The metaphor does not describe our situation with the Certificate of Incorporation perfectly, but it will suit the purpose. It is not a time for pointing fingers, nor is is it the time to exploit a loophole. It is time to solve the problem, and move forward. We have an able mechanic in Venable LLP, and they have, through much labor provided us with the tools to get American Mensa running soundly again. We have to use these tools, ProxyQuest, to bring the CofI into accordance with our wants and needs. After that, it is up to us to ensure that there are no future problems, so that we can address the important issue, HAVING FUN, rather than with governing the organization.

It is 4:00 AM, the day after Thanksgiving, the wonderful turkey dinner that Linda has provided for me, is just about digested, and I have just checked the website, https://secure.us.mensa.org/proxy/, we have 3063 votes, which is 13% of the way to our total needs. Online proxy submission is possible, and the official proxies that can be submitted are available in the Nov/Dec Bulletin, and your LocSec should have a designated individual to accept the proxies. So send in yours and encourage your fellow Mensans to submit theirs, also. Statistics would be woefully out of sync, but as of this time, for Region 2, MWM is ahead in count, and Maryland in percentage. Nationally, San Francisco is in the lead numerically, but our newest group, Northern Michigan has already passed the 50% mark, the goal required for all groups. Let us get out the vote. My offer still stands. If we make our goal, your humble Region 2 RVC will perform any (reasonable) requested task at the AG in July. If Region 2 has the greatest percentage of votes, then he will perform an even more arduous/embarrassing task, as requested by the region. Certain individuals were aghast at the prospect, but I trust my constituents.

The next topic is the Leadership Development Workshop (LDW). Maria Sawczuk of Delaware Mensa has found us an excellent hotel a few blocks away from the beach in Rehoboth Beach for the event. Marc Lederman has been vigilant in recruiting speakers, and planning a rigorous and enjoyable program for the LDW. We have just got permission to go forward, so mark May 21-23 on your calendar, and try to attend. The room rate will be approximately $85 and up, and there are some excellent rooms, as well as excellent opportunities for room-sharing. I would ask all Local Groups in Region 2 to discuss their plans on who they would like to have attend, and get back to me.