RIM History

Arlene R. Ten Eyck

Greetings,

Well, here I am again still working on the year 1984 as part of my self-imposed project documenting THE HISTORY OF R.I. MENSA. Old timers tell me these reports bring back pleasant memories.

In her October column Arlene wrote, "We have some students at Brown University and other Ms who need transportation. Call Ann Marie or me if you would be willing to bring one of these persons to an event." Editor Ann Marie Maguire wrote that dues for 1985 had been increased to $33.00. Ann Marie mentioned her great conversation with Beacon (MA) editor, Jim Sullivan. "Jim imparted some of his editorial wisdom to me." She also noted that new member Andre Cassault set up a hiking date for October and Ken Harper has written up The R.I. Mensa Family Picnic for the Bulletin. She thanked Ken Harper, the Smalls, and the Wieselquists for last month’s FSM of the M’Ocean, and Marion Wieselquist for the cover drawing. In Doug Smith’s column he wrote about his duties (as Gifted Children’s Coordinator) as he saw them since the position came with no directions. He described his philosophy and his plans to recruit high school-aged members. Doug, a high school teacher at Bishop Connolly H.S. in Fall River, reported that some of his Mensa students would be involved in the school production of the play Flowers for Algernon.

Mary Ann Thibert reported that the Family Picnic at Capron Park, Attleboro, MA was very successful with plenty of games for "kids" of all ages. New member Patrick Lynch (now Laure’s husband and father of 4) and Roger Goodreau got the most 1st place awards. The water balloon toss was won by Jared Harper and Ron Thibert (now an MD and father).

Activities for October included 2nd Tuesday at Oliver’s in Fall River, a hike through Dane’s farm in Johnston, the Executive Board Meeting at the Ground Round, and a sing-a-long at the home of Caroline Sullivan in Warwick. Larry Thibert played the piano for us and Ken Harper provided the lyric sheets.

Marilyn Baker had the role of Fruma Sarah in the Theater of Harrisville’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. John Potter submitted another cartoon, and there was another set of trivia questions.

November’s M’Ocean cover was drawn by Larry Thibert. Loc Sec Arlene R. Ten Eyck reported she had met 70 of our 175 members. She reported that some of us had attended several fairs and festivals including the Thayer St. Fair, The Scituate Fair (Marion Wieselquist is one of the founders), a book sale and festival in Pawtucket, and a festival on the State House lawn. Arlene sent a copy of the newsletter to 20 former members of the ‘60s and hoped they would attend the RIM Anniversary Party to be held in January.

Ann Marie thanked her "regulars" who helped fold, staple and mail the newsletters. She also wrote about how much her world had grown and how many nice people she had met in person or through the M’Ocean (editors, etc.) since she became Editor. She printed letters of praise RIM, its officers, and newsletter received from Barbara Holstein, Treasurer and long-time member of Conn & WM Mensa. Communications Officer Pam Randle, in her column, included an essay from "Mensa Australia" entitled "HAPPY BEGINNINGS" or "It’s Easier Than You Think" (Anne Gaide’s ideas about making new members feel welcome). Pam followed this with an interview with new member, Andre Cassault. Pam asked a number of questions relating to Andre’s first visit to a RIM function Andre’s answer to the last question,"Did it turn out to be easier than you thought?" was,"Yes, very much easier." Doug Smith reported that student & Mensan Robert Ouelette had the lead in Flowers For Algernon.

Three marriages were announced: those of Donna Marie Christie, Ken Frausel, and M John Leistritz to M Barbara Michaels. Original poems were submitted by Bill Copeland and Andre Cassault.

Think Spring and keep in touch.
Arlene and her 3 Angels