Something Peachy from the RVC

The dog days of August are upon us; if it rains anymore, I think the animals will refuse to board the Ark. If inertia has overcome you, then a discussion of the role of an RVC is in order (Captive Audience Principle).

What is a RVC? A Regional Vice Chair is elected by a region to act as a liaison between local groups and the national American Mensa Committee. A RVC also promotes participation in national programs such as Literacy, MERF

Scholarships, CultureQuest, etc. RVCs are responsible for carrying out Mensa's policies and programs in their regions. If you, as an individual or as a group, have a Mensa-related problem, your RVC is there to help!

Where's Region 1? From the rocky coast of Maine, to the Soprano shores of northern New Jersey - in order of admission to the United States: the Garden State (New Jersey, 1787), the Bay State (Massachusetts, 1788), the Live Free(ze) or Die State (New Hampshire, 1788), the Empire State (New York, 1788), the Nutmeg State (Connecticut, 1788), the Ocean State (Rhode Island, 1790), and the Green Mountain State (Vermont, 1791).

Why a RVC? The bylaws of American Mensa Ltd., a not for profit corporation, stipulate that a RVC be a Director (voting board member) of the American Mensa Committee.

How long a RVC? Term is two years.

When a RVC? This term commenced 3 July 2003 and ends 1 July 2005 (or whenever the adjournment of the Annual Business Meeting falls).

Who's the RVC? I am, a longer term member of Greater New York Mensa and a resident of New York City. I live in Hell's Kitchen, an area on the west side of Manhattan bounded by Eighth Avenue, 34th Street, 57th Street, and the Hudson River. It's about 5 minutes from the Theatre District and Times Square.

I have a B.A. in Classical Philology (Greek and Latin) with a minor in Mathematics and a M.S. in Management Information Systems. I have my own company, where I work as a computer consultant. Recently I added a catering division, figuring no matter how bad the economy gets, people have to eat.

I love plants and gardening, and am a long time member of the Green Guerillas, an urban community garden/green space organisation and the Indoor Gardening Society of America. I've been a volunteer at Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic for over 18 years; there are also studios in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey (hint!). I love to run, and often with the Hash House Harriers, an international social running club. I'm the treasurer of the Finnegans Wake Society of New York; we meet twice monthly to discuss one of the most captivating books in English literature.

Lastly (and firstly) I'm the mother of Xanthe, my charming daughter who lives in the Inwood section of Manhattan, the northernmost tip. Ironically, she's about 6 blocks away from my old high school. Coincidence? Karma?

It's raining. Again. Here's something to help forget the humidity:

Drunken Peaches

6 large ripe peaches, rinsed & dried , then sliced in ½-inch wedges
8 tablespoons sugar
2 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bottle red wine, preferably Chianti

Place peaches in a large porcelain (or non-reactive) bowl. Sprinkle with sugar. Add spices and cover with wine. Refrigerate overnight. Serve cold.

Marghretta